When you know God is pleased with you regardless of your productivity, it will free you from the pressure to perform. When you’ve heard God say “Yes” to you, it will empower you to say “No” to the unhealthy demands of Pharaoh’s whip-cracking taskmasters.

If you have been burning the candle at both ends trying to get ahead, a revelation of God’s acceptance will bring you to a place of rest. It will get you off the merry-go-round and sit you down in pastures green.

But that doesn’t mean you will be idle. Those who wait upon the Lord renew their strength (Isaiah 40:31). Paradoxically, those who have been freed from the need to produce are often the most productive people around. This happens because the loving acceptance of another brings out the best in us, particularly if the Other is someone special.

Perhaps you have had the pleasant experience of being accepted by the most beautiful girl in the room or the best man in the house. It is the thrill of being elevated to a higher level. “Really?! You choose me? But you’re way out of my league.” As nice as that is, it pales in comparison to the lift that comes from being accepted by the Maker of heaven and earth. To the glory of his grace you have been lifted out of the miry clay and seated with him in heavenly places. Talk about your upward mobility.

With God on our side like this, how can we lose? (Romans 8:31b, MSG)

When you realize that God is for you, it gives you boldness. You begin to strut, not out of arrogance but confidence. “God is on my side. How can I lose?” You’ll walk into the lion’s den with a holy swagger and face the furnace without fear. “God is with me. I will not be burned” (see Isaiah 43:2).

Situations that intimidate the socks off your coworkers won’t bother you in the slightest. You’ll go in front of performance reviews and interview panels with complete peace and without any desperate need to impress. “My promotion comes from the Lord. If these guys see that, great, if they don’t, that’s their problem.” Secure in your Father’s approval, you won’t be bothered whether your ministry flourishes or founders. “It’s his church anyway. I’m just pleased to play a part.”

But the #goodnews is you won’t fail. How can you? When you are confident of your Father’s absolute delight in you,

You’ll be on your way up!
You’ll be seeing great sights!
You’ll join the high fliers who soar to high heights.

With all respect to Dr. Seuss, this not about the empowerment that comes from self-belief but the divine and uplifting influence of God’s mighty grace.

Sons and daughters who are supercharged by their Father’s favor shine like stars (Philippians 2:15). Elevated by his love they mount up with wings like eagles. They race against horses and walk on the water, living testimonies of the energizing power of his divine acceptance.