Some days are just tough. They are tough when you are walking to class right beside this fit, teeny-tiny girl who has her makeup fixed perfectly, precisely picked out her Lulu Lemon outfit for that day, and somehow you couldn’t even manage to brush your hair. It is tough when you get that test you spent hours studying for back just to see that you did terribly, and the guy sitting beside you is showing off his A. It is tough when you spend each day running from class to class, meeting to meeting, and you barely have fifteen minutes to just sit and breathe.

But it is good. It is normal. And it is OK.

It is good because the things of this world do not define us. The clothes you wear only go so far. The test you took and failed isn’t eternal. The classes and meetings you attend are happening for a far greater reason.

It is normal because everyone struggles. Everyone is broken. Everyone is trying to hide their blemishes because this world tries to tell us there is “no room” for imperfections.

It is OK because we are loved, cherished and adored by the Creator of the universe. And ultimately, that is all that matters.

In God’s word we are described as a masterpiece- God’s masterpiece. He created us intentionally, each with our own purpose to fulfill.

When I think of a creation, I think of something I have created myself, typically a painting. Though I don’t think of just any painting, but one with no flaw- the one I would never deliberately destroy. It is my masterpiece, and I am going to do everything I can do to protect it.

Now think of yourself, how you were created with so much more value than a painting hung on the wall in your living room. Think of how you are the Lord’s creation. Think of how He created you in your mother’s womb so precisely. He made sure every detail was perfect, and that you were made fit to fulfill the plans He has for you.

You are His masterpiece. He would never do anything to scratch you up, or to mess up your life.

You are His creation. He created you for a reason and to be His hands and feet in a unique way.

Struggles are designed to make us stronger. Unsteady circumstances are protecting you from falling completely. Embrace your brokenness. Embrace your struggles. They are preparing you for the mission God has you here on this Earth to accomplish. Let Him use you to build His kingdom. Let Him use you to show the world that life isn’t all about what the world tries to proclaim it is. Life was designed for you to surrender yourself to the Lord and let Him use you to do great things in His name.

As you go throughout your day, and it begins to become messy, I pray you remember your true worth in Jesus. I pray you would know that your outfit doesn’t define you, but you would smile and know your beauty comes from the inside. I pray that when you get that bad test grade back you would become motivated to do better, and thank God for not requiring a final exam to get into heaven. And I pray that when you begin to get overwhelmed by the endless meetings, you would see them as avenues of new friendships and opportunities to love your neighbor and shine your light for Jesus. Don’t let your weaknesses persuade you to quit, but let the Lord in and allow Him to give you the strength to face your trials. Allow him to show you that you are capable of overcoming anything as long as God is providing the tools for you to work with.