We all have a past and these stories have shaped us into who we are today. And while they are all extremely different, the common thread is that our stories indicate the beliefs we have about ourselves today. We set ourselves up either for success or failure. Our beliefs about ourselves determine our behavior, so we must refuse to allow the lies from our past, the hurt & the wounds to determine how we walk today.
When we are recognized by an authority figure, there’s something that wells up inside that brings such satisfaction, peace & joy. Here’s good news, friends … the Lord is the authority on WHO we are! Not anyone else. He is our Creator, the one who we should listen to and allow to shape our hearts and minds.
In the second chapter of 1 Peter, he shares what God says about us. “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.” [1 Peter 2:9-10]
In this verse, He’s informing us of who we are in Him …
#1. “A chosen race” – You are chosen & accepted.
We are driven by acceptance because we love the feeling of acceptance. When we are accepted, our self-esteem swells up! However, we aren’t always accepted … our insecurities, disabilities & character can get in the way. Yet, God accepts you & me just as we are. There are no conditions, He simply just LOVES you & accepts you just the way you are. Why? He created you. You are His. You are chosen.
#2. “A royal priesthood” – You are capable.
We have direct access to God. Always. How glorious!!! We do not have to go through someone to get to Him. We are His. And as followers of Jesus, He has entrusted us to be His hands & feet and serve those in need. You are capable simply because you are His! Bill Hybels once said, “I would never want to reach out someday with a soft, uncalloused hand – a hand never dirtied by serving – and shake the nail-pierced hand of Jesus.”
#3. “A people for His own possession” – You are valued.
Scripture says, “You have been bought and paid for by Christ, so you belong to him.” [1 Cor. 7:23]
Jesus paid the ultimate price for you because He deeply loves you. Yes, YOU! The price He paid was not done in vain. It cost him His life. The cross proves your value! So when you allow your self worth to be judged by things of this world, you are devaluing the cost of your life & the love your Savior has for you. He came to rescue you because you are His most precious treasure.
#4. “But now you are God’s people” – You are forgiven.
There is nothing that affirms your value & self-worth other than knowing you are forgiven! When we come to the Lord with our sins, He erases them. They are forgotten & not rehearsed over & over again like we do in our minds. No! God simply treats them like they no longer exist. WHAT FREEDOM!
The Lord is moved when we come to Him asking for a clean slate. He immediately forgives because He loves us! Though this may sound simple & to some incomprehensible, it is truth. His Word says if we confess our sins, He will forgive us. Friends, that is God’s glorious mercy!
We are accepted, valued, loved & forgiven because of what the Lord has done. So, now what? He asks us to go into all the nations & proclaim His goodness & mercy. To be a light in the darkness. So, go “proclaim the praises of the One who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” 1 Peter 2:9
Love & Light,
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About today’s guest writer: Vanessa Warren has a passion not only for reading God’s Word but learning to live it out day by day. You can find her at Kelli & Vanessa where she and her friend, Kelli, encourage women to live lives that write a beautiful story. You can also find Vanessa at Awaken Movement where she is the U.S. Operations Director. Vanessa’s favorite role though is that of wife, to her husband Mark, and mom to her two children, Stella and Noah.
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Our next study: You Are Forgiven beginning August 29th!!!
You Are Forgiven is a book and journal COMBINED! We can’t wait for you to see it! In the meantime, plan on joining us for our fall study which starts August 29th! You won’t want to miss it!

Ohhh sweet friend!!
So loved your post today! You got me with “the common thread is that our stories indicate the beliefs we have about ourselves today. We set ourselves up either for success or failure. Our beliefs about ourselves determine our behavior, so we must refuse to allow the lies from our past, the hurt & the wounds to determine how we walk today.” To encouraged to focus on who I am in Christ!!! Thank you!:)
I love what you said that we have came out of darkness. I know the change that GOD has given me with his light in my life today. I will not allow my past to predict my future, because now I walk in God’s light. I do not listen to what is said about me in our world, because I know that God has given me light, and I will not allow the words of this world to overtake me of what God has given me. I love my brotherhood no matter what. I have to show and provide God’s grace and mercy in my life to offer to others. I am here to represent what God is giving to me, and to offer it to another.