“Who are you?”
“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me…For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9, 10b
“Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.” Psalm 9:10
“For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the spirit of sonship. And by him we cry Abba, Father. The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” Romans 8:15-16
I’m a sucker for personality quizzes and tests. Over the years I have taken numerous kinds, both formal and informal….the Myers-Briggs (I’m an INFJ), what’s my “color” and what does that say about me (red-strong personality)…IQ tests (I’m not telling!)…am I right brained or left brained (surprisingly, right down the middle), etc. The most recent one determined which Jane Austen heroine I am. (I was hoping to be an Elizabeth Bennett, but came out an Ann Elliott!) On one level, I take them for their entertainment value, and, on another, for the insight they give into who I am.
In my early 20s I thought I knew the answer to that question. I was strong, independent, ambitious, and fearless. By my mid-thirties, after years of unforeseen and unwanted trials and difficulties, I didn’t recognize myself. I had become fearful, anxious, weak in my own eyes, and dependent (what I considered to be the worst possible thing to be). I am turning 40 at the end of summer, and a new “me” is emerging. I am slowly, but surely, becoming strong, more ambitious, and fearless again, all while staying dependent.
The new, improved “me” is emerging because I am learning more and more deep within my soul who I really am. I am God’s child. I am His beloved daughter. I can’t begin to tell you all the wonderful benefits and promises that come with being so. The Bible is filled with them. Just a few…protection, provision, guidance, loving and perfect “discipline” for my own good to help me reflect more of Christ to others, confidence to be able to face whatever comes, a perfect plan by which to live my life, simple and not so simple blessings that bring beauty and joy to my life, and most importantly…unconditional love by my God, my Abba, my daddy, who is trustworthy and faithful…who will never forsake me.
I am learning to be who I was meant to be before I was ever born. I can be strong, because in my weakness God’s strength is made perfect. I can be ambitious because He has great plans for me…to use me, to make my life meaningful and productive. I can be fearless, because if God is for me, who can be against me and win? No one. I can be dependent on God alone because He is trustworthy and faithful. I am no longer relying on myself…I am relying on God. And, I’m great with that!
What would your personality test say? Who are you really? Are you who your creator, God, intended you to be? Are you trusting in, resting in, and relying on Him alone? Perhaps you believe that you don’t need God…that you can be strong, ambitious, fearless and independent all on your own strength and will power. (I bought into that lie for a long time.) And, maybe, you’re even doing a pretty good job of holding things together. But, the thing is, if you are going it alone, at worst, you are way in over your head and are falling apart, or at best, you have settled for second best for your life. And, you can be assured that your second best is way less than God’s best.
Who are you? Who were you meant to be? You are God’s daughter or you are God’s son. Pursue your creator, your Father, God, and through His power, be all that He planned for you to be. Anything else is less…way less.
Father,
Thank you for creating me, and for having a plan for my life before I was ever born. Give me the courage, strength, and direction I need to discover who I am in you and then to be who you planned for me to be. Thank you for your promises and for your faithfulness toward your children. You are our loving, faithful, trustworthy God, our Abba, our daddy.
In your son, Jesus’, precious name, Amen.
