God has a plan for your life and a purpose for your future.
No matter what you’ve been through or what’s been done to you, if you’re still breathing God isn’t finished with you yet! Sometimes we just need to be reminded. Other times we need to be persuaded to believe it’s true.
In her new book, Your Life Still Counts, my friend and author, Tracie Miles shares how she convinced herself that God couldn’t use her. There were too many things she had done wrong. But over time as Tracie came to know Christ she realized she was the perfect candidate for His transforming power. Through her brokenness Jesus could show off His grace and goodness. The very things Tracie believed “disqualified” her from ministry are now some of the most impactful parts of her life’s mission and message. Today, I invited Tracie to share some encouragement I think all of our hearts need to hear:
“Have you ever felt like you had nothing special to offer God? Like maybe He doled out the spiritual gifts to everyone else and forgot to give any to you? If so, I want to challenge you to think again.
God has divinely designed a unique purpose for your life. And, you are the only one gifted to fulfill it!
But, before we can discover and embrace what God has gifted us to do, we need to do a little looking back instead of just looking forward. The reality is that God has equipped us to minister to others through the experiences of our past.
But most of us don’t want to look back. We want the past to be the past, and keep trudging ahead. We don’t think about mistakes or hurts. We’d rather bury them in our hearts than talk about them with God, much less anyone else.
But when we do that we prevent our faith from fully blossoming, and we get caught up in trying to figure out how our skills and talents might serve God. What if instead, we look back and discover how our life can serve as a shining testament of His power?
We need is more than gift-assessment; we need a life-assessment to help us discover how our journey has equipped us for God’s divine purposes.
With each situation you have experienced or endured, you have been equipped to serve God.
Your experiences have been used by Christ to strengthen you and your faith. And now He is calling you to be an example of what He is capable of doing. Not just a witness for Christ, but a witness of His power in your life. Because your life matters to God, you do have something of great significance to offer Him – and it’s you.
No one can tell your story of healing, redemption, and purpose like you can.
Even if your experience is similar to someone else’s story, your perspective of what happened and your witness to the power of God’s intervention will be different and unique.
Second Corinthians 1:4 says, “He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.” Your experiences do not nullify your purpose in life; they prepare you for the purpose God destined you for. They do not void you from being able to participate in ministry, but instead they equip you for it.
Your life-change, healing, faith walk, and journey of transformation could be the story that reaches the broken heart of someone who has lost hope; someone who feels like their life doesn’t matter; someone who has never believed there is a God.
No one is equipped, trained, or qualified to share your story and your faith journey except you.
You are unique. Your experiences are unique. Your story is unlike any other.
Only you can glorify God through your one-of-a-kind design by bringing comfort to others as you allow your past to become the foundation of your personal ministry. When surrendered to Christ, your past experiences will become your most profound equipping and training.
As we gather with people this Thanksgiving and Christmas, let’s look for opportunities to love on them, share our hearts and our stories, and be open to how God wants to us for His divine purpose to bring hope, comfort and love to those around us. And let’s make our lives count for Christ!
YOUR LIFE STILL COUNTS
Enter to Win
We are giving away 4 copies of Your Life Still Counts! Two of you will win two copies (one to keep and one to give away)! To enter to win, simply share your thoughts about today’s post and let us know who you would give the second copy to! [If you’re reading this via email, please click here to enter to win! All entries must be on my blog under this post.]
Satan is so good at bringing up our past and throwing it in our faces. I can be going along just fine and then out of nowhere something from my past invades my thoughts and the guilt and shame return again as big as life. I have to just start talking to the Lord asking Him to keep Satan from having that control over me. I also know that many of my mistakes have brought me to where i am today which is closer to the Lord. Praise God that once we accept the salvation and forgiveness of the Lord Jesus He gets rid of those sins as far as the East is from the West never to think of them again and if we allow Him to He will help us to channel those mistakes into something positive that can be an encouragement and influence on others. We just have to trust Him. I still struggle with my self confidence though and feel that i can never measure up spiritually to others. I have a BFF that i would love to share a copy of this book with. She has trouble forgiving herself and at times it really gets a hold of her even stunting her spiritual growth as it can do in each of us.
i have a past with drugs my grown kids know about but i still feel guilt for doing it not a good mom that really makes me mad at my self and if i win a book will share one with my daughter
As I continue my struggle to determine my purpose and self worth – It was encouraging to read the words “he isn’t finished with you yet”. My sins have caused consequences I did not expect – nor do I want. But I do know God can use me to help someone else. Praying He sill do that. Praying to find peace within this storm. Praying for redemption and healing in my marriage. Praying for a way to love myself again.
Thankful for God’s grace – and second, third, and fourth chances to learn His ways.
I am a brand new women’s ministry leader at my church and God has been impressing on my heart the importance of using our stories to help and comfort others. My story is filled with a lot of sadness and hurt and I have been afraid to share it until now. Recently, God has asked me to share my story at our spring women’s conference in March and I am going to obey even though I’m nervous. I know God wants to use it for his glory. Thank you for confirming that my story matters and God will use it. If I should win my second free copy will go to my sister who shares a similar story. I pray that through this book she will begin to see God’s goodness in the middle of our story. Thank you for this, Renee and Tracie. May your families be blessed by the sharing of your stories this Thanksgiving.
Patricia – God will do big things in a lot of hearts through your obedience to share your experiences and allow Him to turn what the devil meant for evil into something that glorifies Him and reaches many hearts. Good luck in the spring and expect God to show up in amazing ways!
I was really made interested in this book when I read about the need for a life assesment. I would like to win the books and I would give the second one to my sister.
Thank you for the reminder! Going thru a redirection In my life and know that it’s God redirecting but the enemy tries everyday to pull me down. It’s brought me closer to Him, praise God and learning to keep His promises near. I want my life to be His plan not mine and know that the desires of my heart were placed by Him and will come to fruition in His timing. His ways are so much better! Would give the 2nd book to a lady I just started mentoring so we could go thru it together.
This is the 3rd time in less than a week that God has brought me this message of needing to look back at my past and what He has done in my life, in order to move forward in His will. First, it was in a sermon on my church about fear and looking at our past experiences with God to give us the confidence to move forward into where He is calling us. Then in the Bible study of Max Lucado’s book, Before Amen, where he talked about remembering the miracles from God in our past. And now here. Can’t wait to read Tracie’s new book! If I won 2 of the copies being given away, I would send the 2nd copy to a gal whom God brought into my life through online Bible studies and who is going through a particularly rough time and struggling to believe her life counts.
This really hit home to me; so much that I cried. In 2001, my Mother passed away. My husband and I drove 660 miles to see her, say our goodbyes before she passed. On my way to the hospital; she passed away. I missed saying goodbye and kissing her by 20 minutes. I was the only family member who didn’t make it in time. For so long; I cried to God that he would forgive me; that my Mom would forgive me yet I couldn’t forgive myself. My wonderful Lord gave me a dream where I saw my Mom, saw her smiling, saw beautiful rays of orange/gold behind & around her. That day brought peace into my life. 13 yrs later; an elderly man visited his wife’s grave everyday; just sat and stared @ her grave no matter what the weather. Our Lord pressed upon me to pray for this stranger. He started telling me how he couldn’t forgive himself; that he just knew his wife wouldn’t forgive him as he had put her in a nursing home and had promised he would never do so. So, 13 yrs later; God allowed me to share my pain, my story with this sweet man, encourage him and pray with him. As I left him; he thanked me, hugged & said he loved me; a total stranger. All glory and all of my heartfelt thanks goes to Jesus! I don’t have to win a book. If this blesses anyone else; it is so worth it. Sorry that this is so long!
Lyla – it certainly blessed me and made me tear up! What an incredible example of extending love and hope to someone out of what we’ve learned through our own struggles and emotions. You made a difference in that man’s life, and I bet he paid it forward. God can do big things when we trust Him enough to do the little things.
” Your experiences do not nullify your purpose in life; they prepare you for the purpose God destined you for. They do not void you from being able to participate in ministry, but instead they equip you for it.”
About two weeks ago I saw an e-mail come through with a guest post by Tracie Miles. Those words were powerful, as were her concluding remarks about being “especially unique and specially adored by God,” and trusting Him “enough to surrender your past to him.”
I find myself in a place where I have trouble imagining how my future could be used for Him, much less my past.
I would like to share the second copy with another person posting here.
Would love to win a copy for myself (retired, widowed, grown children – do I still count?) and for my best friend (divorced after 42 years of marriage). I would want to read it with her as a book study. Thanks for the chance to win!
Wow! Oh my goodness how this hit home for me…I wonder every single day what I am here for. I wonder if it is to do this or that. I am so busy and so stressed trying to make ends meet in my home (I work 4 jobs, raising 4 children, serve at church and be a wife and a Child of God) that I often forget who I am…I know that this book will be a blessing to a dear friend that struggles more than I. What a blessing it would be to give to her. I know that God is amazing and has enormous plans for me.
Renee,
This is a great opportunity for me : “Your Life Still Counts”, one for me and one for whoever God lays on my heart when I receive the 2 books. By the way, when I give a gift away, I try to tell them: You may keep it forever or you may share or give it to whoever God lays on your heart. This frees me from having hurt feelings over their decision, and frees them up to declutter or whatever God lays on their heart. Happy Thanksgiving to you all, and thank you for all your love and help. Sincerely, tammy
P.S. I put your website because the entry called for one, but I don’t have one of my own.
I’ve had many many joys and good fortune but also have been through a lot of heartbreak and struggles in my life. I know that these experiences were GOD’s way of transforming me into the beautiful person that I am today. Would like to win a copy of your book. I do not understand the plans GOD has for me, but I try t trust his plans. I would share a copy of the book with my daughter Lindsey. We are making it through the untimely death of her beloved husband, and my grandson’s daddy. They struggled while he was here on earth with working and and sharing child care. They truely loved each other and their precious son. So far, my daughter has been blessed with a stable part-time job, a wonderful day care Mom, and she is able to go to school part-time with some grants. Now, her car has been breaking down every month for the past year. I am going to try to help her buy a good reliable used car. She feels abandoned, and does not know why all of these bad things happen to her. I want her to remember the goodness of our heavenly father. Thanks
For this very reason that you expressed in your article, my husband and have been separated since August. I have been keeping my past inside and letting it ruin my marriage by not sharing it and using it to help others. We are on the mend now and I give God all the glory for our reconciling and hopefully soon I can be back with him physically. It took a lot of emotional healing on both our parts and even though he had been divorced twice he didn’t understand how I coped with a past divorce. I have learn to let it go and solely lean on God’s word. Thank you Jesus!
I think a lot of women think that they don’t count or matter because of past mistakes. I am not sure who I would give the extra book to yet if I win. I help out with a young mom’s group and a lot of them struggle with this issue so I would share it with one of them.
For too long I lived with shame and guilt over getting pregnant before marriage. God heaps grace and forgiveness on us but if we’re looking through the lens of other people’s judgements and opinions we miss it. Thankful for a God who pursues us with extravagant, unconditional love and redeems our stories for His glory and our healing. Thank you Renee and Tracie for all you do. So thankful God has allowed our paths to intersect and even parallel in places. 🙂 Love you both deeply. Happy Thanksgiving! xo
I think that what has happened in the past can either kill you or make you stronger. If you choose to stay “stuck” in the bad or the past then you will remain a victim but if you move past it and decide to take action and not be powerless over the bad or the past you will be stronger. Turning it over to God is all you can do and believe that he is listening!
Oh how perfect is God’s timing! I have struggled so long with regrets and how Satan likes to whisper…”God can’t use you ….you’ve done this or that” ! So thankful we serve a merciful God!!!!!
Over the past 5 years I’ve had health battle after health battle, and then in the midst of my own health struggle, my mom passed away after a long battle with cancer. For awhile, I allowed myself to get down, feeling like there was no way out, and wondering why God was allowing these things to happen to myself and my family. But even when I thought I was at my worst, He has shown me how to help lift others out of the same pit I had been in. I would give the 2nd copy to my sister who, along with losing our mom, struggled to get pregnant along with many other health struggles. Her story is so good, I want her to realize how much He wants to use her story to help other women who are now in the same boat she was once in.
Since my husband’s health began to deteriorate 9 yrs ago, my life has basically been put on hold…He went into a nursing home for long term care 2 yrs ago & since then I have literally lost track of time. I even forgot how old I was on my last birthday. Homeschooling a 13yr old daughter & having an 18 yr old son still at home takes up my home life time & all my other time is taken up visiting my husband, encouraging him & applying, reapplying & reapplying for Medicaid. Photo copying hundreds of papers, returning everything to Medicaid only to be told they need more. I feel lost, alone and totally forgotten anymore. I try very hard to find the good in each day. I tell myself, I woke up, That’s a blessing, then my day goes downhill from there.
When I try to find time to pray(I do constantly every minute of the day) read my Bible or other encouraging book, I’m sad to say, Most of the time I fall asleep. I don’t sleep at night. I try to put my faith in the Lord, but usually end of frustrated because I get mad at myself for failing…I try to believe it will get better, I’m doing exactly what the Lord wants me to do, But I find it hard to believe my failures & lack of faith serve any purpose………………
Donna – it sounds like you have a very heavy load to carry, and the last thing you need to feel like is a failure. God sees your frustration and your exhaustion, but He has not forgotten you. I pray He brings people into your life to help you know you are loved and valuable to them, and to God, and to support and encourage you as you walk this difficult phase of life. We all fall short of praying, bible reading, and being the type of christian we think we should be. But remember that the greatest commandment is to love others – and it seems that through your actions, you are pouring out love on others every day. God is not frustrated with you and does not see you as a failure – He loves you, and one day, will help you see great purpose blossoming up out of all that you’ve learned and experienced. Praying for peace and purpose and blessing to fill your heart.
I would give one to my BFF. We both have been through so much this year. And the title alone in my inbox today was worth it’s weight in gold. After a recent car accident which brought up every single thing that has happened to me, beyond my control, I find myself feeling on the edge. Or brink. Continuing to trust God in the journey…and trusting His faithfulness. Despite my feelings, circumstances and doubts. Happy Thanksgiving to you both! Thanks for a great post and giveaway.
I was widowed at age 38 with a 3 year old daughter and another adoption in the works when my husband died. I didn’t get Gods plan why now?? Years later I remarried a wonderful man and part of God’s plan unfolded. Now my dear sister in law is a widow as my brother passed away 6 months ago. Now I can use my experience as a widow to help her through it. Not the plan I would have chosen but obviously my plans are not HIS plans. So second copy of the book would go to her as she is really struggling right now.
Scripture teaches us that those who have been forgiven much love much. Sometimes, the more difficult our stories are, the more they have to offer others as they show the grace and redeeming love of our heavenly Father. Only the enemy wants us to wallow in the guilt of our past. God wants us to be free of it so that we can encourage others in the same way. This book looks wonderful! If I win, I would read it and then donate it to my church library. The second copy, I would give away to a blog reader. Thanks so much for the encouraging post and the chance to win.
This was a most eye opening blog for me. I have felt that my past has kept me from serving God the way I should, however my heart has always wanted to serve. I now realize that God allowed everything in my life in order for me to serve and by doing so, all the glory goes to Him. That truly makes my ‘heart happy’. That is what I tell my grand children when they want to come to my house. Thanks for the post it truly touched me and truly applies to my life.
Teri – your comment just blessed my heart. All too many of us think our past voids our worth in God’s eyes, when in fact it simply gives us new ways to serve Him out of what we’ve learned and overcome through Him. Thank you for sharing and my prayer is that we can all have happy hearts upon embracing God’s truths!
So need to read this book. I am struggling with my self worth due to several events that have happened over the past few years. I just feel like God and everyone have turned their back on me.
I have lots of fun reading
Would love to read the book and share. We are too hard on ourselves and must realize our worth. We are His prized possession! Thanks for the reminder.
I struggle daily with finding meaning for my life. But I’m fighting the battle everyday. I suffered great depression and thought daily of suicide. I have come a long way with Gods help and the help of a Christian counselor who never gave up on me. I hope that o can share my story and help someone who is where I used to be. There is a woman in my support group who just started to come that I would share thus book with.
I very much believe that God has a purpose for each and every one of us, but I can’t seem to figure out what mine is. It’s so true what was stated, I always look “forward” searching for my purpose and the idea of looking “back” makes a lot of sense. I grew up in a dysfunctional family and then married into a different type of dysfunction. I’m not sure how our children grew into the amazing people they became, but with God’s help we must have done okay on that front. I’m divorced now and still struggle with so many things even though I am a Christian and attend church most Sunday’s I feel that I missing my “calling” and I feel that God wants more from me.
I would gift the second copy to a dear friend that is going through a terrible divorce, one that took her completely by surprise. She isn’t sure whether she is a Christian or not and her soon to be ex-husband is a Catholic turned atheist who pushed her more toward his way of thinking throughout their marriage.
I’d share with Lydia ….. But I know this is a book that I really should read….
I would share this book with my daughter. I see her struggling and making some fast decisions causing her grief. I recognize her pain as my own.
I would love this book it seems to cover some of the things I am walking through at the moment! I would give the other copy to my sister. We have come from a abusive background and are both struggling to realize how much we mean to God and how God uses that. God has healed so much and I am so different and grateful but some chains are a little stronger and take a little more to break. But He is the God who breaks every chain!
As a wife and mother I found this post truly uplifting. I became significantly disabled several months ago following a life threatening injury. I am still trying to ascertain who the new me is, how to function, support my family and to find HOPE for the future. I’m extremely thankful that I survived so I firmly believe God has a purpose and a plan. Doing my best to remain prayerful and patient as His plan is revealed to my family and me.
It takes faith, Joanne, just to believe that survival is proof that God has a plan for you and for your pain. I pray God gives you spiritual discernment and vision to see the great things He has in store for you , and helps you to heal and adjust to life as it is now. Praying for you –
I would enjoy the book because I would like to reflect on the ways I have been given grace for my mistakes.
I would like to give the other book to my daughter who is having a difficult time right now.
Oops…I forgot to mention who I would give the second copy to my best friend and who also is my sister n law
I’m going through a divorce and sometimes I feel so lost, like God is done with me because I failed at the most important relationship He gave me. I would love to read the book and would share with my dear friend who went through something similar and held my hand as I had to walk through it too.
I never ever thought I mattered in this world. Truly as a young girl I contemplated suicide and attempted it once with an overdose of pills. I have been beset with addictions at a very young age and trouble and heartache just seemed to follow me into every new adventure I would try. I have been free from one addiction for over 30 years only to come to the realization that I had another just as dangerous. I was saved in 2010 and because of that I was able to face that addiction. It still is a struggle but I have faith today, and I know that Jesus is the only reason that I am able to love myself today. I spent years in self hate and it just drove a wedge between me and my God. I know God has a purpose for every single person on this planet, whether they know it or not! I am coming to realize my purpose and I would love to read this book with my daughter Marisa. She is a 20 years old and wants to have a better relationship with the Lord but doesn’t know if she is going about it the right way.
Christine – it is sometimes our hardest most difficult battles that God can do the greatest things through. Our weaknesses become areas where He can do HIs best work in us and through us. I pray God continues to give you strength to overcome and maintain victory over addictions, and that He opens doors for you to use what you’ve been through to help others going through similar struggles. Praise God for all you’ve overcome thus far and for speaking truth into your daughter and helping her get to know the Lord!
i always wonder if my life really matters I feel so insignificant . so lost when it comes to me.
You matter, beloved. God calls you His own and is deeply in love with you. Cry out to Him, I’m lifting you up in prayer.
Cheryl – thank you for being so honest. So many women struggle with these feelings, wondering if they really matter to God or in this life – so you are not alone. But I pray God speaks truth and hope into your heart and draws you close to Himself. He does have a special plan for you, and for what’s happened in your life, and you are a loved, adored and priceless treasure in God’s eyes. Hugs to you –
I have struggled with re-defining myself. Once an OB RN for 12 years and 3 back surgeries in 18 months…I face disability. Who am I now? It’s a daily struggle. Taking it day by day and focusing on my 7 healthy children and a supportive husband!
Kimberly – i too felt like I had lost my identity when I quit my corporate job several years ago – it took a while for God to show me that I was new in Him, and that He has a new plan for my life, but when I embraced His plan instead of my own, everything started turning around! So keep the faith and have hope and peace that God is up to something great in your life and that He has you in a holding pattern right now until you are ready to get a glimpse of it. Right now keep focusing on being a mom and wife which is a divine calling in and of itself! 🙂
I know that there are many past mistakes that are hard to move beyond. To be able to use those times would be very uplifting to many women.
Thank you for giving me the reason to continue in my writings.
The 2nd book should go to a person that is having great difficulties in life right now. Maybe a victim of human trafficking.
Shonna – I love your comment! The enemy wants us to get discouraged and assume that what we have to say, or write, is not needed. But if God called you to share then He has a plan and purpose! Good luck as you push forward in what God has laid on your heart!
Thank you so much for writing this book…. The last year has been a “season” of learning that I still have worth. I was laid off from my job of almost 11 years. I found myself seeking work at 57 years old and finding nothing. The silver hair that I had been so proud of seemed like it was holding me back. I considered coloring it. God has been working in my heart to show me so many things… He is faithful to provide for me financially, He has a future for me in serving Him, He is the One whose approval I should seek, He will provide a job for me when the timing is right, He brings opportunity to volunteer that are more precious than working for pay, He loves me unconditionally! I could go on and on. My story is His story! Thank you for reminding me.
I have recently ended a three year relationship. I was running from God during this time. I have realized with His grace, I DO have a purpose! I just need to trust Him. The second copy I will share with my dear friend Lori. Not only have we been struggling with our lost/unknown identities, but a crippling depression. We both need hope!
I am indeed guilty of wanting to ignore my past instead of using it. Definately something I need to work on.
Dear Tracie~
Thank you for allowing God to use the “messes” in your life to create a beautiful message to so many hurting people. It book truly helps us to recognize that we are indeed “more then Conquerors in Christ.”
This is so true I know that God has purpose for me because there are times when I may not know it but I am sharing my past with someone and they are as bless as I am. Making me feel good about what I am going though easier to handle
There always someone going though something worse than you are
I would share with my friend Stephanie
I have made many mistakes, some I use as teaching tools for my kiddos – others, well… only me and my Lord know about them.
I’m a WIP I say, a Work In Progress!
2 very good friends of mine are struggling to find self-worth and move on from things in their past. I would be elated to give them this book for Christmas.
This is so true I know that God has purpose for me because there are times when I may not know it but I am sharing my past with someone and they are as bless as I am. Making me feel good about what I am going though easier to handle
There always someone going though something worse than you are
Patricia that’s a great point – we never who is dealing with something difficult in their life. Sometimes our stories, knowing that someone else has been there and survived in Christ, is exactly what someone needs to get through hard times. Thanks for sharing!
I would love to win this book. I can relate to her thoughts on not counting. Having made many bad choices and made many wrong turns in my life, I struggle with this thought every moment!
Rachel – we all do that! Which is why its so important to embrace our value in Christ regardless of what we think with our own human minds. Bad decisions dont make us bad people – just human! Thank goodness God loves us, despite us, and we all count to Him! 🙂
I think as women, we lay a lot of guilt on ourselves for our past mistakes instead of accepting God’s forgiveness and moving forward! I know that is true of me, and perhaps God isn’t as interested in me doing big things for Him, but in my heart about serving Him!
I would share this with my dear friend, Lin who has such a heart for God.