Casandra Martin

Go look in the mirror. Take a long, hard look at the reflection you see. I know that it is easy to zero in on the things we don’t like or make us uncomfortable, but the truth is that you are looking at a miracle. Your eyes, your intellect, your fingerprints, your height, your gender, your heart, your toes, and your talents all have been touched by the hand of God.

“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it full well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth.” – Psalm 139:13-15

There is much in the news these days about people going to extreme lengths to be someone different than who God created them to be. There are times when we all wish we had different characteristics than the ones we have. It is easy to get stuck in a place where we spend our time wishing we were something we are not, or we can learn to live in the miracle of who we already are. You are a vessel created to uniquely reveal God’s glory to the world.

My Jesus Resolution today is to look in the mirror and see God at work. God created me for a purpose. He numbered my hairs, shaped my body, invested me with gifts and talents, and gifted me with a soul. I am not an accident or a mistake. When I embrace the reflection in the mirror, I am embracing the whole of who God made me to be.

“And He said to him, ‘Follow me.’” – Luke 5:27b

Did you ever play Follow the Leader? Follow the Leader is a simple enough game. One person is the leader, and the rest of the group follows in the leader’s steps. You can run, crawl, skip, jump, do loopity-loops, or tip-toe. The only rule is to do what the leader does. The leader sets the pace, determines the direction, and defines the movement of the group. Such a simple game, and such a hard way to live.

Walking with Jesus is as simple as following the Leader. All I really need to do is imitate Him. And yet I find so many ways to get off course. I get distracted and wander off on my own. I get stubborn and refuse to move. I get frightened and fret about taking the next step. I get impatient and want to step out in front. I get self-conscious and worry what others will think of the way I am walking.

Jesus knew that I would struggle with His call to follow Him. That is why He came to earth. That is why He gave me the Holy Spirit. That is why He connected me to His church. That is why He provided the Bible, the avenue of prayer, and the privilege of worship. Everything from His example to entering His presence helps me learn how to take the next step in following Him.

My Jesus Resolution today is to follow the Leader as I walk through my day. I am going to match my stride with His. I am going to stop where He stops, and run where He runs. Join me in following the Leader today. Let’s find joy in knowing that wherever we go, He is leading us deeper into the presence of God.

What is the most beautiful, breathtaking sight you have ever seen? A sky stuffed with stars? The endless waves of the ocean? The sun rising over the crest of a hill? Light shimmering like diamonds in the snow? The beauty of a lake hidden in the mountains? What do you see when you close your eyes and remember catching your breath in wonder? Moments when we catch a glimpse of God’s glory are moments that stick with us. They give us a peek into the amazing things we will see when we stand fully in His presence.

Now go look in the mirror. When God wants to show the world His power and glory, He shows them you. You are living, breathing evidence of His grace and His deep desire. As a sanctuary for His presence, God’s glory is revealed through you. When others see Jesus in you, they catch a glimpse of God’s purpose and love. Don’t underestimate your beauty or the way God is using you to teach others about His heart. I see Him in you all the time, and it takes my breath away.

My Jesus Resolution today is to be thankful for beauty. I am going to slow down today, and let the beauty around me soak in deep. God has planted beauty in the simple, ordinary, and the everyday so that I can catch my breath and catch a glimpse of Him. I am going to look for Him in the flowers outside my window, the warmth of my husband’s hand, the hugs of my children, the mess of blessings on the floor, and even in the mirror. Today I am going to take Ralph Waldo Emerson’s advice. He said, “Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything beautiful, for beauty is God’s handwriting.”