cbr, 2025 - #nowplaying - bülow - Not A Love Song

Sisters in Christ,

As you gather in this sacred space, I stand before you not as one who holds all the answers, but as a humble servant of God, called to share His message of love, empowerment, and authenticity. Today, I invite each of you to embark on a profound journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth. This journey challenges you to redefine the narratives that have been written for you and to embrace the unique story God has destined for your life.

World’s Expectations vs. God’s Plan

In Jeremiah 29:11, the Lord declares, “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Yet, in a world that often dictates what your lives should look like, you find yourselves at a crossroads. The societal pressures, the media’s portrayal of womanhood, and even well-meaning friends and family can sometimes cloud the vision God has for you.

But remember, you are not bound by these earthly scripts. You are daughters of the Most High, created in His image, each uniquely gifted and purposed. As it says in Psalm 139:14, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”

Finding Your Voice

In this journey of authenticity, you are called to find your voice amidst the noise of expectations. This reminds me of Queen Esther, who found her voice in a time of great peril for her people. Esther 4:14 tells us, “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place and you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this?”

Like Esther, each of you has been placed in your specific circumstances “for such a time as this.” Your voice, your story, your journey - they all matter deeply to God and to the world around you.

Power of Sisterhood

As you embark on this path of authenticity, remember that you are not alone. You are part of a sisterhood, united in the pursuit of God’s best for your lives. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 reminds us, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.”

In this sisterhood, you find strength in each other, in shared experiences, and in the courage to break free from societal norms that do not align with God’s word. Support one another, lift each other up, and celebrate the unique paths each of you takes.

Embracing Your God-Given Identity

As you navigate this world, I encourage you to walk with confidence, knowing that your identity is rooted in Christ. Galatians 3:26-28 declares, “So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

Your worth is not determined by your relationship status, your career achievements, or your conformity to societal expectations. Your worth is inherent, given to you by your Creator who loves you unconditionally.

Living Authentically in Christ

Living authentically means aligning your life with God’s truth. It means being honest about your struggles, celebrating your victories, and continuously seeking God’s will for your life. Romans 12:2 advises, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

As you strive to live authentically, remember that it’s a journey. There will be challenges and moments of doubt. But take heart in the words of Philippians 1:6, “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

Unique Purpose

Each of you has a unique purpose in God’s grand design. Ephesians 2:10 tells us, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Embrace this truth. Your story, your experiences, your gifts - they are all part of God’s plan to impact the world around you.

Don’t be afraid to step out in faith, to use your voice, to pursue the dreams God has placed in your heart. As it says in 2 Timothy 1:7, “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”

Call to Action

Dear sisters, as we conclude this message, I want to leave you with a call to action:

Seek God’s will for your life through prayer and study of His word.
Embrace your unique identity in Christ.
Support and encourage your sisters in their journeys.
Use your voice and your gifts to make a difference in your sphere of influence.
Live authentically, aligning your actions with your faith.

Remember the words of Proverbs 31:25, “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.” May you walk in this strength and dignity, confident in who God has created you to be.

This is your journey, your story, your testimony. Embrace it with open hearts and minds, knowing that you are supported not only by your earthly sisterhood but by your Heavenly Father who loves you beyond measure.

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all as you continue on this beautiful journey of authentic living.

Amen.

-Pastor Mitchell Royel

Not A Love Song