Take a Look in the Mirror

I want to propose to you this truth: Within YOU lies inspiration. As I look around at people in the world, I see that they want to be inspired. I looked up the definition of inspiration in the dictionary. There are several definitions, but for the sake of this subject I want to highlight just a couple.

INSPIRATION: 1. arousal of the mind (idea or thought)to special unusual activity or creativity. 2.arousing to a particular emotion or action. (rousing, stirring)

People are looking for inspiration. Sometimes a church sermon or song will inspire us, the birth of a new baby, the marriage of two people, a team winning the championship, and even a TV show. People enjoy stories of love, sacrifice, triumph, overcoming obstacles, healing, miracles, endurance, and perseverence. Why? Its because they inspire us. These things may stir an idea, thought or emotion that make us want to be better Christians, athletes, parents, spouses, and humans. They inspire us to hope. Then hope inspires us to take action.

So here is a question to consider. What if our greatest source of inspiration lies within us? The other morning as I was drying my hair (He does speak while we are doing the most routine things), I heard Him say, "Look in the mirror. Now that is inspiring." All of a sudden it hit me.

If you want to be inspired take a look in the mirror. If you are a believer, you are a living testimony of God's love, grace, faithfulness, and HOPE for the future. You are His all-time success story. You are His story of love, sacrifice, triumph, healing and perseverance. When we understand where we've been, where we are , and His plans/purpose for our lives, we are inspired by hope. That hope will inspire us to take action.

What is it within us that is so inspiring? It is His Holy Spirit! As believers we are sealed with His Spirit(2 Corinthians 1:22). Its our destiny and the desire of the Father that our inner being/spirit be securely connected to the Him. The Holy Spirit has taken up residence within us. It is proof of His redeeming love and faithful commitment to us as His children. It is His promise that He will never leave us. It is the power that equips us with spiritual gifts used to further the kingdom. It secures our connection to the heart of the Father.

Let me illustrate for just a moment. As we are connected to His heart, the Father's love cast out all fear. If there is no fear then anything is possible, right? Inspiration! Hope! With no fear, we are stirred and roused to thoughts, ideas, and emotions from His heart. We are inspired to do things we've never done. We discover gifts we didn't know we had. As we become securely connected to the Father, we will see His glory manifest in us and through us. It will literally jump out of us and onto everyone around us. How inspiring is that! Each day is met with its own struggles and challenges. As believers, inspired by the Spirit that is within us, we release hope into these situations. This is inspiring to other's around us who are watching our lives. They will see the Father's story of inspiring victory, love, peace, healing, and hope in us.

We are worthy of all He wants to do in us. He chose us! His Son, Jesus, has made us worthy through His love and sacrifice on the cross. It is an awe-inspiring thing to know what He has done FOR us. It should propel us to worship and praise Him who is worthy to be praised. Only the Lord could do this awe-inspiring work in us.

For those who are not believers, the Father wants you to know that He loves you and desires a relationship with you. He wants to inspire you as well! He wants to give you hope! If you would like to know how to have a relationship with the Father please contact me. Once you encounter the love of the Father, you will never be the same!

If you want to be inspired to lose weight, watch the Biggest Loser! If you want to be inspired to be a singer, watch American Idol. But consider that your greatest source of inspiration comes from the Holy Spirit which lives in YOU!

I want to leave you with this scripture from His Word. Meditate on it and let the Father's heart speak to you about the inspiration/hope within you! Just take a look in the Mirror!

I PRAY THAT GOD, THE SOURCE OF HOPE, WILL FILL YOU COMPLETELY WITH JOY AND PEACE BECAUSE YOU TRUST IN HIM. THEN YOU WILL OVERFLOW WITH CONFIDENT HOPE THROUGH THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. ROMANS 15:13 NLT

MAY THE GOD OF YOUR HOPE SO FILL YOU WITH ALL JOY AND PEACE IN BELIEVING (THROUGH THE EXPERIENCE OF YOUR FAITH) THAT BY THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT YOU MAY ABOUND AND BE OVERFLOWING (BUBBLING OVER) WITH HOPE. ROMANS 15:13 AMPLIFIED BIBLE