When You Miss Who You Used to Be - Your Nightly Prayer - September 25th

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When You Miss Who You Used to Be
Your Nightly Prayer
Amber Ginter

TONIGHT'S SCRIPTURE

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come." - 2 Corinthians 5:17, NIV

SOMETHING TO PONDER

I've compared my past self to my present self for six years. In the blink of an eye, I remember a 23-year-old girl, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, fresh out of college. I had never-ending stamina, passion, and health. My entire life felt like it was ahead of me until I got diagnosed with 10+ mental and physical health issues nearly overnight. 

Suddenly, I was a ghost of myself. I didn't have energy. Dates with my boyfriend were spent at Urgent Care and the hospital. My free time was spent researching cures, diagnoses, and doctors. I started taking too many supplements and medications, and I needed to keep track of them accordingly. For a while, I felt like I was balancing my new life with the old. But the more I clung to who I used to be, the more I lost sight of who I was becoming. 

It's been six years since I received all of those health scares and diagnoses. I struggle to remember the girl I used to be—mostly in good ways, but some in the latter. And yet, I've realized that God is still at work in my life. I may not be who I used to be, but I now have a greater appreciation for this life. I find joy in the simple things. In the days I have energy and gratitude for the days I don't. It's not easy, but it's something the Lord has taught me. 

Today, I'd love to tell you that I've been radically healed. In some ways, I have. My mind is so much better since the Lord led me to therapy, medication, and practical coping skills. I had surgery for endometriosis and am now learning to manage symptoms. I've worked with specialists, nutritionists, and doctors alike. But I still have my struggles. I still have bad days. 

Through it all, 2 Corinthians 5:17 reminds me that though my physical body may not be what it once was, I'm a new creation in Christ Jesus. This body is temporary. It will pass and fade away. But what I've received eternally through the Lord, and the things He's revealed to me through these challenges, those things can never be taken away from me. And they can never be taken away from you. 

YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER

Dear Jesus,
Sometimes it's so hard not to miss who we used to be. This could be physically, mentally, spiritually, emotionally, or relationally. But Lord, through you, there is no shame for those who are in Christ Jesus. You can use all things for our good and your glory, and you see the whole picture. We might struggle to understand how you're using these seasons of change in our lives, but please remind us that in you, we've been made brand new. Regardless of what things look like here on this earth, we've been renewed from the inside out. Thank you, Jesus. Hallelujah for this gift.
Amen.  

THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON

1. Take time to reflect on who you used to be and who you're becoming (both good and bad). Wrestle with these difficult thoughts and then present them to the Lord in an honest prayer. You could write these down in a journal, or just talk to God out loud. 

2. Try reframing. When you're feeling down about who you used to be, take time to feel those emotions, but then use Scripture to counter them. Remember that God can still use you as you are, and He knows the plans He has for you. Make a list comparing your feelings with what God's truth says. 

3. Spend some time daydreaming with the Lord about your future. Surrender your everything to Him and ask Him to lead, guide, and direct your next steps. You might not know what that path looks like, but He does. Past or present self, He has good plans for you!

Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/Sherman Yang

Amber Ginter is a teacher-turned-author who loves Jesus, her husband Ben, and granola. Growing up Amber looked for faith and mental health resources and found none. Today, she offers hope for young Christians struggling with mental illness that goes beyond simply reading your Bible and praying more. Because you can love Jesus and still suffer from anxiety. You can download her top faith and mental health resources for free to help navigate books, podcasts, videos, and influencers from a faith lens perspective. Visit her website at amberginter.com.

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