His Version of Me:
Have you ever looked in the mirror and felt like you weren’t enough? Maybe you’ve been weighed down by past mistakes, insecurities, or the voices of the world telling you that you’ll never measure up. But what if I told you that the version of yourself you see isn’t the version that God sees?
In 2 Corinthians 5:17, Paul declares: “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things have passed away. Behold, new things have come.”
God’s version of you is not limited by your past. His version of you is filled with grace, renewal, and purpose. The challenge is whether we will trust Him enough to step into the masterpiece He is shaping us to be.
The Master Sculptor’s Perspective
Imagine a sculptor standing before a block of marble. To most, it looks like an ordinary, jagged slab. But to the sculptor, a masterpiece is waiting to be revealed. Every strike of the chisel removes what doesn’t belong—flaws, excess, rough edges—until the vision comes to life.
This is exactly how God sees you.
We see our brokenness.
God sees our potential.
We see our failures.
God sees opportunities for growth.
We see sin and unworthiness.
God sees redemption and restoration.
The world counts our mistakes against us, but God wipes the slate clean. The world tells us we’ll never be enough, but God calls us chosen, loved, and called according to His purpose.
Biblical Proof: When God’s Version Wins Over Our Own
Many of the greatest leaders in Scripture once struggled to believe in God’s version of them. Their self-doubt, fear, and failures didn’t define them—God’s call did.
Moses: From Failure to Deliverer
Moses saw himself as a failure. After killing an Egyptian in a fit of anger, he fled into the wilderness and spent decades as a shepherd. By the time God called him to lead Israel, he was full of excuses:
“Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh?” (Exodus 3:11)
But God’s version of Moses was different. He didn’t see a runaway exile—He saw the deliverer of His people. When Moses obeyed, miracles followed: the plagues of Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea, and a nation led to freedom.
Gideon: From Fearful to Mighty Warrior
When the angel of the Lord found Gideon, he was hiding in a winepress, terrified of his enemies. When he was called to lead Israel, his response was:
“How can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest, and I am the least in my father’s house.” (Judges 6:15)
But God’s version of Gideon was different. The angel called him “mighty warrior”—not because he was already strong, but because God would make him strong. Gideon’s small army of 300 men defeated thousands, proving that God’s power works best in our weakness.
Jeremiah: From Insecure to Unshakable Prophet
When God called Jeremiah to be a prophet, he immediately objected:
“Ah, Lord God! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth.” (Jeremiah 1:6)
But God’s version of Jeremiah was different. He didn’t see an inexperienced young man—He saw a prophet who would shape nations. Jeremiah’s obedience made him one of the most significant voices in history, speaking God’s words of judgment and hope.
Peter: From Failure to Foundation of the Church
Peter was impulsive and passionate, but his greatest failure came when he denied Jesus three times. After that, he likely believed his calling was over.
But God’s version of Peter was different. After the resurrection, Jesus restored him, reaffirmed His love for him, and commissioned him to “feed my sheep.” On the day of Pentecost, Peter preached the first gospel message, and 3,000 souls were saved (Acts 2:41).
Peter’s past did not disqualify him. His failure wasn’t final. And neither is yours.
Which Version Are You Clinging To?
The world will always try to define you by your past. It will tell you you’re not enough, that you’ve messed up too badly, that you’re too weak or too insignificant.
But God’s version of you is different.
• He calls you His child (John 1:12).
• He says you are redeemed (Colossians 1:14).
• He declares you are chosen (1 Peter 2:9).
• He sees you as His masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10).
God’s love rewrites your story. His grace removes every mistake. His power equips you for the calling He has placed on your life.
Are You Ready to Step Into His Version of You?
Maybe you walked into today feeling broken, unworthy, or forgotten. Maybe you’ve been clinging to an old version of yourself—one shaped by fear, failure, or the opinions of others.
But God sees more.
The question is: Will you trust Him?
Will you let go of your version of yourself—scarred by past mistakes and insecurities—and step into His version of you?
The Master Sculptor is waiting. His chisel is ready. He sees the masterpiece in you.
Will you let Him bring it to life?
From the very beginning, the enemy has had one goal: to steal what rightfully belongs to God’s people. Jesus made it plain in John 10:10: "The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy." The devil isn’t just trying to make life difficult—he wants to take something specific from you. He wants to rob you of your position, your authority, and your identity in Christ.
The book of Jude may be short, but its message is packed with depth and urgency. As we continue through this powerful letter, we find Jude urging believers to contend for the faith—to struggle for it, defend it, and stand firm in it. This isn't about being argumentative or contentious, but about upholding the truth with both boldness and grace.
In Luke 5:4-11, we find a powerful moment between Jesus and Simon Peter. After a long, frustrating night of catching nothing, Jesus tells Peter to launch into the deep and let down his nets for a catch. Peter, exhausted and doubtful, responds, "Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing. Nevertheless, at Your word, I will let down the net." Did you catch that? Jesus said nets—plural—but Peter only let down one.
Trusting Jesus doesn’t always look the same. Sometimes, it means stepping out in faith, taking action, and moving forward. Other times, it requires waiting—resting in Him and allowing Him to work things out in His timing. We want to fix things ourselves, to hustle and strive for solutions, but sometimes, God says, “Wait. I will fix it. I will work it out.”
Picture a vineyard, lush with green vines and branches heavy with ripe, juicy grapes. The vine dresser walks through the rows, pruning shears in hand. Every snip and cut, though painful to the branch, is intentional—designed to create space for greater fruitfulness. This image, drawn from John 15, paints a vivid picture of God’s role in our lives.
The message of Isaiah 43 and the testimonies shared are clear: God is in the business of making a way. If He could create rivers in the desert for Israel, heal broken bodies, restore shattered lives, and protect His children in impossible situations, He can do the same for you.
The Christian life is often described as a journey, a walk with God. This metaphor paints a picture of action, progress, and intentionality. In Colossians 1:24–2:15, Paul offers profound insight into what it means to walk in Christ. He challenges believers to stay grounded in the truth of the gospel, to avoid being captivated by hollow philosophies, and to live lives that reflect their faith. His words remind us that our walk is not just about movement, but about moving in the right direction.
As you step into this new year, ask yourself: Am I building a life that stands the test of time? Let this be the year you align your life with His will and bring hope to the valleys around you.
Sacrifice is rarely glamorous. It’s often messy, challenging, and uncomfortable. But woven into its fabric is a profound beauty—a beauty that reveals itself in the blessings and transformations only sacrifice can bring.
The story of Christmas is one of unexpected invitations, unlikely guests, and extraordinary grace. From a humble stable in Bethlehem to the trenches of World War I, the message is clear: God’s table is for everyone.
Hope Church of Iron Mountain is a 501c3 nonprofit registered in the USA, under EIN 99-0826997.
Contact us
©2024 HOPE CHURCH OF IRON MOUNTAIN, INC.
THE CHURCH FOR IRON MOUNTAIN