How do we teach our girls things that we are still trying to teach ourselves?
How do we teach our girls value, while we are still searching for our own value in all the wrong places?
How do we teach our girls to love themselves and who they see in the mirror, when we struggle with it too?
How do we teach what we are currently learning?
I wrestled with the question of teaching things before I have “mastered them” or sharing what I’m learning, because who wants to share when they are in the midst of a storm or a trial? Isn’t it prettier to share the testimony of what we went through, instead of what we are going through? These are the lies the devil would like you to believe.
Well, I will tell you like I told myself many times before… take the lens off yourself. God doesn’t need our fairytale ending or everything to be wrapped neatly with a bow every time before we share what He is doing in our lives. I know it might be more comfortable to share when it’s years down the road, but allow God to use you in the midst of your discomfort. Stay rooted in Christ and go where He leads you. Remain in Christ and teach from His Word, that will never be turned back void (2 Timothy 3:16). Allow God to use you as you cling closely to Him.
As you are teaching the girls in your small group that they are all together beautiful (Song of Solomon 4:7)… write it on a notecard for your bathroom too. As you are teaching the girls in your ministry the power of spending time in God’s Word (Psalm 63:1)… set your alarm and spend time in His Word too. As you are asking the girls that God has given you, how you can pray for them… take the time to pray and petition for them (Philippians 4:6).
We are not perfect. We are all still learning. Let’s choose to be honest about that and live by example. These are some of the best ways to reach our girls. None of us our perfect, but we serve a perfect God. None of us our perfect, but we can choose to progress and not stay the same.
This year is our chance to lead a ministry of authenticity and vulnerability. I believe more is caught than taught. Let us live authentic and vulnerable lives where our girls can see us growing closer to God and serving because of Him. Let us be honest with them regarding where we are struggling and how God is tugging on our hearts. Let us reach the girls that God has placed in our lives, while still growing into who God has called us to be. Your growth and service does not mean to run yourself into the ground.
If you struggle with this, please know that I do too. You are not alone.
Jillian Deaton has a passion for showing people the love of Christ through speaking, writing, and everyday life. She is the wife to second lieutenant Jaxson Deaton. Jillian is a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University. She is the author of Powerfully Weak, This is Why, The Four Seasons of Hope, as well as the co-author of A Bigger Purpose. She is passionate about sharing God’s Word with students and women of all ages! She believes no matter who you are or where you’ve been the Word of God is relevant to your life as you strive to live with authentic faith in Christ. Connect with Jillian: Instagram
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