Day 25: Genesis 3:9-11
Devotional
READ GENESIS 3:9-11
I used to navigate life wearing a mask, presenting a façade of strength and composure. “I’m fine, I’m good, life is great.…” These were the rehearsed lines I delivered in conversations, both in church and in everyday interactions. I thought I was protecting myself by keeping my struggles hidden, but in reality, I was only isolating myself.
Then came the moment that changed everything. During a quiet time of prayer, I heard God gently yet firmly ask, “Where are you?” This wasn’t just a question; it was a divine invitation to step out of the shadows and into the light of His love. In that simple phrase, I felt the weight of conviction and the warmth of His mercy. God was not searching for a geographical location; He was searching for my heart. He wanted me to acknowledge my hiding, my fear, my shame, and to bring it all before Him.
The truth is, we were created for community. God desires us to be known, to be vulnerable, and to share our authentic selves with others. When Adam and Eve hid from God, they were disrupting their relationship with the God who loved them despite their guilt and shame. Why do we hide? Why do we shield ourselves with the illusion of perfection? The reality is, every time we say we’re “fine,” we rob ourselves of the true connection that God longs for us to experience.
But when we allow ourselves to be seen, we open the door for healing, growth, and transformation. It is in our vulnerability that God’s grace shines the brightest. Despite our sin and disobedience, God still seeks us out and calls us to come before Him. He knows our faults and failures but desires for us to be honest and open with Him.
Let’s take a bold step together. Let’s dare to be known. Share your story. Seek out community. Embrace the beauty of vulnerability. You are not alone; God is with you, and He is waiting for you to come forward and embrace the fullness of life He has for you.
I used to navigate life wearing a mask, presenting a façade of strength and composure. “I’m fine, I’m good, life is great.…” These were the rehearsed lines I delivered in conversations, both in church and in everyday interactions. I thought I was protecting myself by keeping my struggles hidden, but in reality, I was only isolating myself.
Then came the moment that changed everything. During a quiet time of prayer, I heard God gently yet firmly ask, “Where are you?” This wasn’t just a question; it was a divine invitation to step out of the shadows and into the light of His love. In that simple phrase, I felt the weight of conviction and the warmth of His mercy. God was not searching for a geographical location; He was searching for my heart. He wanted me to acknowledge my hiding, my fear, my shame, and to bring it all before Him.
The truth is, we were created for community. God desires us to be known, to be vulnerable, and to share our authentic selves with others. When Adam and Eve hid from God, they were disrupting their relationship with the God who loved them despite their guilt and shame. Why do we hide? Why do we shield ourselves with the illusion of perfection? The reality is, every time we say we’re “fine,” we rob ourselves of the true connection that God longs for us to experience.
But when we allow ourselves to be seen, we open the door for healing, growth, and transformation. It is in our vulnerability that God’s grace shines the brightest. Despite our sin and disobedience, God still seeks us out and calls us to come before Him. He knows our faults and failures but desires for us to be honest and open with Him.
Let’s take a bold step together. Let’s dare to be known. Share your story. Seek out community. Embrace the beauty of vulnerability. You are not alone; God is with you, and He is waiting for you to come forward and embrace the fullness of life He has for you.
Personal Reflection
So, I challenge you today: What parts of your life do you keep locked away, afraid of judgment or rejection? God is asking you, “Where are you?” He wants to meet you right where you are—messy, broken, and imperfect.
Posted in The Beginning Devotionals
3 Comments
Thanks for sharing - no doubt the Lord allows us to go through “stuff” in life; a by product of these “life stuff” experiences he is preparing us to be able to share, comfort and encourage others who are experiencing similar situations and circumstances. Hand in hand with him, with each other.
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It seems easiest to run and hide and lock it all up. Great reminder to live in the freedom of authenticity and realness. Thanks for modeling this for us Chad!
This reminds me of when my son was about 3 years old. I had made a big tray of brownies to take for an event. I was sure to tell everyone not to eat the brownies that were covered and had a big note on them saying ‘DO NOT EAT’! After doing all my chores and taking care of some responsibilities, to my surprise I came back into the kitchen to find my sweet son with a brownie all over his face and another in his hand. I said Keith, “what happened to the brownies?” He responded in shame “I don’t know”. It was a lesson for both of us. I couldn’t be angry. I knew how much he loved brownies. It was an opportunity for me to teach him honesty, transparency and what unconditional love looks like. I loved watching him grow to trust me. I think God feels the same way about us!!!