Why do I feel like a loser?

To start off: You are not a loser. You are not a failure. How do I know that? Because you are here, and you haven't given up. You've chosen life today, and I am so proud of you for that decision.

"Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall." —Psalm 55:22 (NLT)

Life is messy. Even when we try our absolute hardest and plow ahead toward our goals, sometimes things don't work out. We fall down. We have struggles that seem bigger than we are. NONE of this means that you're a failure.

Your sins don't define you. Your struggles don't mean you've failed. They mean you are HUMAN and you're ALIVE. As long as you're still breathing, you haven't failed—because you're still fighting for breath.

Valued by the Creator of the Universe

"Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to ground outside your Father's care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." — Matthew 10:29-31

Your value is inherent. God knew before you were born that you were going to go through some times that were difficult at this time in your life. That doesn't reflect on how much you're worth. Realizing your true value to God helps us combat the hateful lies in your head.

Also, if you'll let me say a big-sister thing for a minute: You seriously have your whole life ahead of you. You have no idea what you can and will accomplish or what purpose God may have for you.

Everything is Temporary

"For our present troubles are small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!" —2 Corinthians 4:17

When we're really going through it, when nothing seems to be going our way, it's easy to think it's ALWAYS been like that. That nothing has ever gone our way or that we haven't ever accomplished anything. But it's hard to see the big picture when we're so very close to the moment.

You may not even realize the positive impact you've had on others—on siblings, on neighbors, a hurting friend, that stranger you smiled at... And those things are worth more than any good grades, trophies, or other public accolades. The quiet life of a faithful believer is just as worthwhile and meaningful as one of a famous Christian celebrity.

Everything Changes

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." —James 1:2-4

Goals are awesome, I'm a huge fan of goals. But if God opens up different doors than what you have planned, don't view that as a failure. View it as God bringing you an opportunity that is even better that what you imagined (Romans 8:28).

If you aren't already, talk to God daily to help you through the next 24 hours. Ask Him to help you see how His glory shines in your life. Maybe it's in that amazing sunrise or the clouds in the afternoon. Maybe it's in you giving up your seat on the bus for someone else. Maybe it's in how that little child smiled at you. Keep your eyes open, and you will see Him right there in your life.

God Chose You

The God of the universe MADE you and CHOSE you. Your life has so much value. You wouldn't exist if God didn't think you are worth existing.

I realize that sometimes it's hard to truly believe that, but it's true nonetheless. How can you be a loser when God loves you like this? How can you be a loser when God chose you for this moment in all of time? He knows everything about you, so it's not like He doesn't know what you're like. He's seen every dark thought and action you have ever had, and despite all this...HE. CHOSE. YOU.

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." —John 14:27

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