Tuesday, May 2, 2023

Have you ever been so embarrassed by something you did that you wanted to crawl into a hole and never be seen again? I imagine this is how Adam and Eve felt after their incident with the serpent and eating the fruit in the Garden.

Genesis 3:7
At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves.

I can relate. I would need all my fingers and toes to count the number of times I've wanted to hide from the world. I don't necessarily go about my day trying to mess up, but sometimes, being me is messy! I often react the same way Adam and Eve did—by hiding. I still cringe when I think about the time I met Pastor Ben Snyder.

When I began attending CedarCreek, Ben became one of the most influential people in my life, and I still learn something new every time I hear him speak. One weekend, a good friend of mine finally arranged for us to say hello. When my buddy went to grab Ben, all I could think was, “Should I be me, or the me I think Ben will like?” (Or, should I just run and hide?!)

Ben came up to me all cool and collected and told me he’d heard my story and was glad I was there. I ended up tongue-tied and botched that first introduction. I don’t remember all the details, but I’m pretty sure I froze and just stared at my feet. Like Adam and Eve making excuses in the garden (Genesis 3:12-13), I wanted to blame my social anxiety and hide, but I couldn’t let fear win. So I found another opportunity to talk to Ben. I planned to really say something smart that time, but instead, it resulted in me embarrassing myself … again.

Though painful, I did learn one thing through this experience—my attempts to hide and be someone I wasn’t just made things worse. I should have been myself. I should have told Ben that I love his teachings and he has helped me tremendously in my spiritual growth.

We don’t need to wear masks to cover up our real selves, even when we’re embarrassed. God sees us—our hearts, our intentions, and our mistakes—and he loves us anyway.

Psalms 139:16
You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.

Because God sees me and loves me, I have found the strength to take off my mask more often around other people. I have learned that if I constantly wear a mask and pretend to be someone I’m not, no one else will ever know the real me.

Questions:
Have you ever done something and wanted to hide from the world? How difficult is it for you to meet someone new? Do you put a mask on? Have you explored ways to be yourself instead?

Next Steps:
Search “fear” in the Bible, and see how other people attempted to take on trials by themselves rather than trusting God. Keep reading the LivingItOut and going on this journey with us.

Prayer:
Father, I need to trust that your will for my life is eternally better than what I can plan for myself. The areas in my life where I doubt myself and have fear are the places I should be leaning on you more. You are the one who brings me peace and security, not fear. Fear is a liar; you are not. Through your Son, who is “the way, the truth, and the life,” I come to you (John 14:6). Help me remind myself and those around me that we should always come to you, our loving Father. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Series Theme Verse:

Philippians 2:13
For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.