Every human being on the planet has a deep seated desire to be “known”. A craving to be understood and accepted.

Let me introduce you to one of the most life-changing pleasures of prayer – the fact that place of prayer is the place of being known, accepted, loved, and liked by the most important Being in the universe.

When Papa made you He did not do so by accident. He created you to be uniquely you, and made no mistake in His design. Your personality and unmistakable ways are the very things that delight you Father when they are harnessed and sanctified for His purposes.

I am a heart-on-arm kind of fellow, which sometimes can be misunderstood. The boldness I appear to display can come across as arrogant or boorish.

At least that’s how I see myself sometimes. Maybe it’s just my insecurities. Doubtless you have your own bag of marbles that you deal with with, so I’m sure you understand.

Self-acceptance is a big deal, but I believe that the Lord wants to take you a step further to a place of self celebration!

“…he hath made us accepted in the beloved.” (Ephesians 1:6 KJV)

You are accepted in the Beloved.

Now it is time to be loved!

Self acceptance begins in the presence, accepted by the Maker. Loved by the Lord of the universe. Celebrated by Him.

As I mentioned, I used to lament over my own nature and slap myself around for not being more diplomatic and winsome in my ways. Bringing this to God one day, after another spat of honesty that left me feeling like a rebel, I railed at His design skills and asked him with indignation, “Why did you make me so intense? Why am I so provocative?”

In my head I thought I wanted to be another way; more loving, more gentle, less confrontational.

His answer?

“Son, I like you intense! I made you that way. I have called you to provoke people to pursuit and to purity.”

God affirmed me even when I did not.

The Father pointed something out that’s essential for each one of us to grasp. He did not make a mistake when He wired us for our mission.

Does this mean you are not responsible to steward your own actions in an honourable manner, and that you are excused of any liability? Of course not, we will all give account for our words and actions. But as to your nature, the way you are wired, you are that way for a reason. Finding acceptance and affirmation in the Father’s presence can harness all you are and make you a true force to be reckoned with, one who has no need to excuse yourself or apologise for who you are.

I was like the vessel in Jeremiah 18, wondering why the Master made me the way He has. Why am I not more winsome? Why am I often so abrupt? Can I not just keep my lips sealed and swallow the indignation?

Why? Why? Why?

“Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus?” (Romans 9:20 KJV)

He is the Potter, you are the clay.

Is it for you to say how the Potter should mould you?

“…your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.” (Matthew 6:8 KJV)

But you must ask Him.

He craves your presence as much if not more than you crave His. He made you for Himself, for His pleasure, and for His purpose.

Boldly come before the throne of grace, the grace that embraces you into the bosom as God’s beloved child.

Let His words be the ones that shape your acceptance. Let His affections be the ones that caress your fears and chase them away.

In the place of prayer you will not only discover an intense love for God, you will find yourself and be surprised to realise you are actually a rare kind of awesome.