08-31-2026, 02:10 PM
https://proverbs31.org/read/devotions/fu...qus_thread
I Survived. And So Will You.
March 20, 2025
by Lysa TerKeurst
President and Chief Visionary Officer of Proverbs 31 Ministries
Nope. Modeling is not my thing. But this shirt featured words that felt so personal to me: “known and loved.” “Known and loved” had been an anthem drumming in the background during some really hard days when I wondered if I’d survive my circumstances. And I knew a picture of me wearing this truth would be a good way to declare what I desperately wanted to feel. Because instead of feeling known and loved, I felt forgotten and tossed aside. I needed a reminder to turn to God, open up His Word, and listen to praise songs. When I did those things, I could hear the anthem of God’s voice rising above the chaos: Lysa, you are known and so very loved by Me. Trust Me. Turn to Me. Hold on to Me. God held me when I could barely hang on, and He reminded me what was true when I was tempted to forget. I survived. And so will you. What’s happened to you hasn’t changed who you are. I don’t know who in your life has told you that you are anything less than the most glorious creation of the almighty God. I don’t know who has spoken words over you and about you that have stripped you bare and broken your heart. But I do know any statements spoken to you that come against the truth must be called a lie. God’s Word is the Truth. And His Truth says you are a holy and dearly loved child of your heavenly Father.
You are wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14).
You are a treasure (1 Peter 2:9).
You are beautiful (1 Peter 3:4).
You are fully known by Him and lavishly loved by Him (Psalm 139:1-4).
You are chosen (Ephesians 1:11).
You are special (Ephesians 2:10).
You are full of purpose (Romans 8:28).
You are set apart (2 Timothy 2:21).
Even if you don’t always feel like these things are true. Even if you don’t feel known or understood. Our feelings aren’t always an accurate assessment of what’s true. Cling to the words of our key verse today: “And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them” (1 John 4:16).
Release the lies you’ve believed that make you feel less than who you are, and set your mind and heart on God's Truth. Oh, sweet sister, we must remember God’s words. Repeat God’s words. Believe God’s words with our whole hearts.
I Survived. And So Will You.
March 20, 2025
by Lysa TerKeurst
President and Chief Visionary Officer of Proverbs 31 Ministries
Quote:“And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.” 1 John 4:16 (NIV)A couple of years ago, the team at Proverbs 31 Ministries was brainstorming a new T-shirt concept. Once it was designed, printed and delivered, it was time to photograph the T-shirt for the bookstore. And I volunteered. I’m not usually the one who raises her hand and says, “I’ll volunteer to model that shirt!”
Nope. Modeling is not my thing. But this shirt featured words that felt so personal to me: “known and loved.” “Known and loved” had been an anthem drumming in the background during some really hard days when I wondered if I’d survive my circumstances. And I knew a picture of me wearing this truth would be a good way to declare what I desperately wanted to feel. Because instead of feeling known and loved, I felt forgotten and tossed aside. I needed a reminder to turn to God, open up His Word, and listen to praise songs. When I did those things, I could hear the anthem of God’s voice rising above the chaos: Lysa, you are known and so very loved by Me. Trust Me. Turn to Me. Hold on to Me. God held me when I could barely hang on, and He reminded me what was true when I was tempted to forget. I survived. And so will you. What’s happened to you hasn’t changed who you are. I don’t know who in your life has told you that you are anything less than the most glorious creation of the almighty God. I don’t know who has spoken words over you and about you that have stripped you bare and broken your heart. But I do know any statements spoken to you that come against the truth must be called a lie. God’s Word is the Truth. And His Truth says you are a holy and dearly loved child of your heavenly Father.
You are wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14).
You are a treasure (1 Peter 2:9).
You are beautiful (1 Peter 3:4).
You are fully known by Him and lavishly loved by Him (Psalm 139:1-4).
You are chosen (Ephesians 1:11).
You are special (Ephesians 2:10).
You are full of purpose (Romans 8:28).
You are set apart (2 Timothy 2:21).
Even if you don’t always feel like these things are true. Even if you don’t feel known or understood. Our feelings aren’t always an accurate assessment of what’s true. Cling to the words of our key verse today: “And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them” (1 John 4:16).
Release the lies you’ve believed that make you feel less than who you are, and set your mind and heart on God's Truth. Oh, sweet sister, we must remember God’s words. Repeat God’s words. Believe God’s words with our whole hearts.