"A lack of self-awareness can be one of the biggest challenges to healthy growth and change." Kathy Spampinato

Self-awareness is a conscious knowledge of your own character, feelings, motives, and desires. A lack of self-awareness can be one of the biggest challenges to healthy growth and change. Even when you are aware of your hopes, goals, and dreams, it can be difficult to move in that direction and welcome change, if you are not aware of the difficulties you are putting in your own way. Mentors, friends, coaches, and counselors can make meaningful suggestions and give plenty of encouragement, but if you do not recognize your own motives or challenges, you will be unable to wholeheartedly welcome their help. You will unconsciously inhibit the change you are waiting and praying for.

Self-awareness requires an unbiased and honest look at ourselves. This might seem like a scary and risky pursuit. We do not want to face the unflattering parts, or acknowledge that the hurt parts or self-protective parts of our personalities can sabotage our own goals. I would like to suggest that an honest prayer for Holy Spirit to lead and guide you, will make a safe way for you to look honestly at your motives, weaknesses, and needs. Remind yourself that Jesus is partnering with you. Here are some scriptures to encourage you in your pursuit of spiritual growth and maturity.

2 Timothy 3:14 ESV states, "But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus."

You may not have been a believer from childhood like Timothy, but scripture is able to guide you to salvation through Jesus Christ, and lead you in your quest for God's will and blessing. Remember what God has shown you and who it is that you have believed in. Let's continue.

Verses 15-16, "All scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." God is equipping you, oh man or woman of God.

Philippians 1:6, 9-11 " And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God."

Only God is truly aware of all that you need, and what you are currently lacking. It might be healing, self-confidence, knowledge of the things of God, a friend to walk with you, the comfort of understanding God's love, or something else entirely, that is very personal and specific to your life. Only God truly looks at the heart with understanding. He is a safe and trustworthy friend who brings comfort and healing. Your weakness or your past do not scare Him off. It's time to turn to Him, and trust Him with your heart and life. He has proven Himself faithful and true. It is time to open up your heart in honesty and become self-aware in the journey you are on. God moves with truth, grace , and love.