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Redeemed.

I aim for perfection in all areas of my life. Running, school, biking, keeping the house clean, keeping the dog fed (you know some people forget ;) ), just to name a few. The problem with seeking perfection is I ALWAYS fail. Always. Then I get depressed because I have put my identity in those things. When I don't go on a run because I am exhausted because of school. Or I study all I can (which is why I am exhausted) and I still get a B on the test. Which for most people is great! Accept when you are crazy like I am. I want to be the best at whatever I am doing. It is not that I want to beat other people, its that I want to beat myself. I want to be better then I ever have been. Again that is not a bad thing, it is when it becomes your life.

Since we live in Coeur d'Alene and I drive to N. Spokane ever week to go to Whitworth, I spend a plethora of time in the car I listen to the radio. I was feeling down today because nothing was going right and then I got a lower score on a test then I wanted too. I had the radio on and MercyMe's song GREATER came on the radio. The chorus struck my soul

Cause I hear a voice and He calls me redeemed

When others say I'll never be enough
And greater is the One living inside of me
Than he who is living in the world
In the world
In the world
And greater is the One living inside of me
Than he who is living in the world

I didn't hear an audible voice but I felt God telling me "Emily, your identity is in me and me only. Don't worry about everything else. I am here. I am by your side." Wow. How refreshing. What hope. I don't have to find who I am in the things of this world but in Christ. It doesn't mean I can't enjoy the things listed above but I shouldn't let them consume me. Thank you Jesus for your mercies, for your grace. 

John 3:30 "He must become greater and I must become less"

I need to rid myself of myself (my identities) so that Christ can remind me of who I truly am and who I belong to.

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