If Only You Knew
If only you knew! A version of this saying may cross your mind when you are starting to get to know someone that you are interested in. “If only you knew what I have gone through and the things I have done… If only you knew my family situation and the trauma I have from it…If only you knew the insecurities I cover up – then you wouldn’t want me.” “Then you wouldn’t want to get to know me anymore.” There may be that part inside of you that thinks nobody will ever want to put effort into staying. But if only YOU knew how much love the God of the universe has for YOU! He went above and beyond to call you His own! If only you knew the plans He has had planned for you. If only you knew the strength and endurance that He is building in you.
A depiction of your plan vs God’s plan
You may think you are all set with the plans you have so you don’t want to trust God since His plans are unknown to you. However, our heavenly Father always has bigger and better things in store for His children!!
In addition, self criticism may come to mind when someone sees something in you and compliments you on it or encourages you about it. You may think, “if only you knew how hard it is to put on this smile or to look this confident.” Often times, we can be our own worst critics. That’s why we should take it to heart if someone encourages us when they see something good in us! This also happens when doubt crosses your mind as you start to feel a tug towards the call that God has on your life. “God, if You only knew then You wouldn’t want me to step into this position or to be the one who tells others about You.” “I’m too messed up” or “I messed up too much.” But He does know, and He chose you anyway!
If only you were able to see yourself through God’s eyes. Then you would understand that He sees you as His precious daughter, He sees you as His masterpiece, He sees you for who He has made you to be!
You are in good company if you don’t think you are fit for what God has called you to. Most every person in the Bible saw their faults magnified when they were called up by God. Notice I say “called up.” God does not call you out to show you all that you aren’t, He calls you UP to a higher standard because of all that you are in HIM. Ephesians 3:20 says, “now all glory be to Him who can do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine according to His power that is at work within us.”
God can do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine without having to partner with us at all, but He chooses to do His work through us.
What a surreal fact! In 2 Corinthians 12:9 Paul states, “but he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” So, if only YOU knew that it is not about you at all, it’s about Who lives in you! If only you knew it is God’s power and strength that you have access to! If only you knew how He is preparing you for all the impact He is going to make through you. You don’t have to take your mistakes and faults so seriously because God takes them all, when you repent, and exchanges them for all that He has to offer! We receive confidence as a daughter of the King through Christ’s redemption for us on the cross. We gain joy in His presence. We gain wisdom through His Spirit that lives inside us through baptism. And we receive comfort and peace for any circumstance through Him. Again, this is not because of anything we have done, but because of everything He has done! We are His creation, and out of His love for us, He provides all we need to accomplish His purpose in our lives.