Pull Back the Lens

What if we dared to pull back the lens and tell the real story? Could God shine even more brightly through our weakness?

Pull Back the Lens

In this age of social media, we typically show only the pretty, enhanced, and cropped view of things. The hilarious picture above is a great example of the real story. When this food blogger shares her recipe on-line, it will be a cropped overhead image of her creation. However, when you pull back the lens, the real story is much different. The real story includes the dirt yard, the worn fence and the curious dog photo bombing the scene. What if we were willing to pull back the lens and let others see our real story?

Real Story Meets (Un)Qualified

I felt instant solidarity with this food blogger when she shared her photo. She was was telling the authentic, messy side of what us crazy foodies do. How endearing and real. Then God linked this thought with a life altering book I read recently called (Un)Qualified: How God Uses Broken People to Do Big Things, by Steven Furtick.

Peace and confidence come from acceptance. God’s unconditional acceptance of us and our acceptance of ourselves including our weaknesses and acceptance of Gods process of change.

Steven Furtick

Accepting the Real Story

When I lean into the idea that God’s acceptance is what really matters, I feel a weight lifted from my shoulders. Not having to be perfect or self sufficient brings with it a new freedom. I can also trust how God uses change to mature me, even when it’s hard to understand at the time.

Embracing that mindset, I recently stepped up to a volunteer opportunity at church. This opportunity requires coordinating catering and volunteers to serve a meal for a women’s event. This is something I’ve never done, so part of my brain screamed “don’t do it, you’re unqualified!” But the other part of my brain recalled my own advice in How to Take Hold of Life. What if I didn’t play it safe and trusted in God’s power to use me instead?

God Shines Through Weakness

Our real identity rests in God because He’s the one who created us, weaknesses and all. As it turns out, it’s actually our weakness that cause us to lean into God. Then God supplies the strength, wisdom, or whatever we need to offset our weakness. Just like a fragile clay jar, God’s power is able to shine through the cracks in our life. When this happens, things change. His light shines through our weakness and people see God’s power vs. our own.

God, help us embrace the fact that we don’t have to be perfect. That it’s ok to pull back the lens and let others see our true self. You are the One who fully qualifies us for the life you have given us. Let us embrace your strength in our weakness and proudly proclaim your glory in our lives. Amen.