by Mary Ann Frazier

I was hanging out with some friends recently. It was just after we had seen a movie, and we stopped by a store on the way home. 

Old feelings rose up in me. Feelings of worthlessness, rejection, and ugliness. At first they succeeded in bringing me down, but why was I was looking at what the world thinks of me instead of remembering what God thinks of me?

So I asked God to help me. A moment later, I snuck a peek at a randomly chosen verse in a little Bible booklet I had.

 At least I thought it was random.

The first words I saw were, “Christ in you, the hope of glory”. It was exactly what I needed to hear! 

God was reminding me that I have the promise of being beautiful, loved, and unashamed, because of what Christ did for me, and because He lives in me and makes me live. Later I read it in context:

Colossians 1:26-27 “the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints. To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”

I have hope. I don’t have to be in despair. But the world doesn’t have what we have. Without Christ, there is no hope of glory. That is what makes us so different. Because I have Christ, I have hope that every smudge of shame on my soul that has been inflicted by myself, my family, or anything else in the world, will be completely wiped away.

I will be made absolutely beautiful, and will no longer have to feel like I have to get in the back of the line, hide my face, or apologize for my shortcomings. When Christ appears, I also will appear with Him in glory. [Colossians 3:4]

 What is even more wonderful is that anyone who chooses so may have this hope, if they only come to Christ with belief! Jesus Himself said, “Whoever comes to me I will never drive away.” (John 6:37)

As I think about it, I suppose the healing has already started. “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus…” (Romans 8:1). Where are my accusers, the ones who try to tell me that I‘m not worth anything?

They have no real hold on me, for they have no authority over God. God has forgiven me of all my sins, and promised me eternal life as coheir with Christ. Say this aloud with me: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31)
Christ in you, the hope of glory.

Seven of the most powerful words I’ve ever heard.

Mary A. Frazier has been a Christian most of her life, but she continues to be amazed by the things God teaches her. She is 18 years old, and loves to listen to quality Christian rock music in her spare time.