So, What's With the Crown?

People who see this blog’s picture, especially those that know me, may think, “What’s she doing with a crown? Who does she think she is?” Well, I know who I am, but let’s backtrack a bit first.

We all carry the influences from our family and upbringing, influences that began when we were first born. Some grew up confident with a positive self-image, sure of who they were as they took on life. Many others (if not all) had childhood wounds, disappointments, and even trauma that they struggled to overcome. Even those who successfully charted a course through education, career and family, were not immune to doubt, fear, and negative self-images that crippled them in some way. It seems women, in particular, often have such low opinions of themselves they can’t see the positive that others easily recognize.

New believers, overjoyed after accepting Jesus and thankful for His forgiveness and salvation, still often walk through life not really knowing who they are in Christ. We are taught that we’re born with a purpose, but our ability to fulfill that purpose is frequently stalled, in part because we have a less than positive self-image. How can we fully realize our destiny when we don’t even know who we are?

We need to recognize that God loves us, not just in our heads but in our hearts. That’s the start. Learn what God has to say about you! He doesn’t think you’re untalented, unqualified and worthless. He values you so much He gave His only Son! (John 3:16)

Ephesians 1:4 says that He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world. In other words, God thought you up before He even created the earth, and felt you were such a good idea that He picked the exact time and place for your grand entrance! Psalm 139 goes on to say that you are fearfully and wonderfully made (v. 14) and that Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them. (v. 16) You see, when we were born, it was as if a scroll from heaven landed in the form of a new life, imbued with God-ordained purpose for our lives. So it’s not what others think of you that defines you, or even what you think of yourself. God’s opinion is the only one that really matters, because it’s the truth about who you really are!

Know what else God says about you? To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. Revelation 1:5b- 6 (emphasis mine) Yep, that’s right! You are a king (or queen) and a priest unto God! First Peter 2:9 confirms that fact: But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;

And because of the status God has given you, you can sit in the heavenly realms. Right now in the Spirit! Not just in eternity. See Ephesians 2:6 ~ and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,

Ephesians 1:21-22 also tells us that Jesus is seated far above all principalities, power, might, and dominion. God put all things under Jesus feet. If we are seated in Him in heavenly places, all is under our feet too! That’s authority!

So, spend time with God to learn your purpose, and listen for those that confirm what God has said. You are His king or queen. Once you know your God-given destiny, you can pursue it with both boldness and peace, knowing you are in the Father’s will for you life. Just imagine, what God gives you to do here may very well be connected to part of your responsibility in eternity! So get going now ~ your life here is preparation for all the ages to come with Jesus!

Yes, that’s a picture of me as a queen, because I am! And you, dear child of God, are royalty too!

(Original prophetic painting by Linda Iorio. Visit her website at www.godcolorart.org)