Hi friend!

Welcome back to Tales of Grace, and to another Abide Mondays.

Have you ever found yourself quick to defend your character, especially when someone says something untrue about you?
I’ve realized I do this often. And during a conversation with a good friend yesterday, something honest came out of me:

“Maybe I don’t truly believe that God defends me.”

That thought hit hard.

I’ve always seen myself as someone who reacts quickly, especially when I feel misunderstood or misrepresented. And I used to think it was just part of my personality. But I’m learning that while being reactive isn’t always wrong, I have to be careful about what I’m reacting to.

Sometimes the enemy doesn’t attack us with new things, he just twists what’s already in us. He takes our personalities, our passions, our instincts, our wiring and nudges them off course. But here’s the good news: God can use those same traits for His glory.

I was reminded of the Apostle Paul. He was zealous before and after encountering Jesus. As Saul, he was passionate about persecuting Christians. As Paul, he was just as passionate, only this time, for the Gospel. His personality didn’t change. What changed was the cause.

And that’s what encouraged me this week:
God doesn’t make mistakes. He designed my inmost being. He shaped your soul with intention. The boldness, the sensitivity, the passion, the logic, the creativity, it’s all part of His plan. It just needs to be surrendered to Him.

So if you ever feel like a bit “too much” or “not enough”, pause. Take a breath. And remember Psalm 139: 13-14,

“You created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”
(Psalm 139:13–14)

Let’s pray:

Worthy are You, my Lord and my God, to receive all glory, honor, and power. You created all things, and by Your will I exist and was brought into being.
May You be magnified in my life. Thank You for creating me as Your masterpiece in Christ, to do the good works You’ve prepared for me.
Holy Spirit, help me walk into those plans, today and every day this week.
I ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, and I come into agreement with all who are praying for me in heaven and on earth.
Amen.

Have a beautiful and blessed week ahead, friend.
And don’t forget, you can order your Loved Beyond Measure journal here or on Amazon! Let’s keep abiding together.

With all my love,
Tales of Grace