1 Corinthians 3:1-2a – And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it. (NKJV)

"What, no mirror?" Pride chided Jewel. Jewel loathed mirrors! Just seeing her reflection would stir within her the haunting voices that had plagued her since childhood: "We wish you were never born." "You deserve every bad thing that happens to you." "Who do you think is ever going to love you?" "You'll never amount to anything." "You are useless, ugly, and stupid!"

Only once in her life had Jewel experienced unconditional love: the day that Jesus saved her.

Sadly, after salvation, Jewel never delved into the Word of God or attended church, thus never discovering her birthright as an overcomer in Christ.

Fear, Pride, Torment, and Anxiety were her constant companions and continued to hold her captive. They always took the liberty of inviting Self Pity, Depression, and Suicidal Thoughts to drop in.

Jewel had listened to the demeaning voices for so many years that she truly believed that everything they said about her was true. She had turned into a recluse — though occasionally, she would venture outside to tend her garden.

Digging in her garden one day, she found a metal box with a Bible and a letter inside:

I know you like to garden
So I put this message here
You see I want so very much
To free you from your fears.

Remember when I saved you?
Your salvation was brand new
You vowed to always serve me
But in my Word you never grew.

I've tried to get your attention, but in your silent pain, you choose to ignore and disregard Me. Your thoughts are always fixed on your imperfections.

The day when I saved you, I looked forward with great anticipation and joy to see you grow and mature in My Word, and ultimately be conformed to My image.

Sadly, my beautiful Jewel, you are still what I refer to as a babe in Christ, feeding on milk when you should be ready for solid food.

You are still allowing the voices of your past to dictate and characterize who you are. You have not yet learned what it means to be a new creation.

Everything you need to live a victorious life is found in the Bible, My love letter to you. However, you must read it. You must study it. You need to know the Scriptures and the power of God.

Jewel, I love you so much, and I want to know: Are you ready to flourish in your walk of faith, blossoming in My grace, immersed in My knowledge?

Holding the letter tightly in one hand and the Bible in the other, Jewel bowed her head and prayed earnestly, "Yes, Lord Jesus, I am ready."

Many people who receive Jesus Christ as Saviour have a hard time moving forward in their spiritual walk due to low self-esteem. Now saved, they need to know their true worth in the eyes of Christ.

Wherever we may personally be in our walk with God, may we desire to explore His Word and strengthen our relationship with Christ.

Prayer: Lord, help us to invest time, interest, and study of Your Word that we may grow in You and that our minds may be continually transformed and renewed. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Forward this devotional     Share on Facebook

About the author:

Cheryl Mariano (Cheremiah) <cherylmariano@gmail.com>
Casa Grande, Arizona, USA
Send your feedback to the author