BECAUSE OF THE GREAT I AM, IAM
I am a living epistle, a chapter in the making of God’s amazing Love story for humanity! I am a Called-out, Jesus-loving, big-hearted, true worshipping, Faith-it-til-you make-it work in progress. My life has indeed been filled with adventure and calm, ups and downs, laughter and tears, joy and sorrow, trials and testimonies; and through it all God has allowed my faith to flourish and my cup to overflow.
But it hasn’t always been this way — you know, all “peace like a river”, “joy, joy, joy down in my heart”, “happy all the time.” No, this story, my story, has been 50+ years in the making and each new day brings forth new twists and turns in this Story of Me!
Scripture
Scripture – 2 Corinthians 3:18 – But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.
Lessons Learned
I’m so glad my story no longer reads as a sad, woes-me saga, full of fear and trepidation, busyness and hamster wheels. See, for many years I strove to write my own story. “I” tried to control my environment and the other characters in my story. “I” strove to be the hero. “I” tried to fix that which was broken, heal my diseases, comfort and nurse my hurts, and satisfy my cravings. My story was all about me. And it wasn’t until I realized that my story was all jacked up because I had failed to recognize God as the author of my story (2 Corinthians 3:3). It wasn’t until I put the pen down and allowed God to author my story. With God as the author, my story experienced a dramatic plot twist. God, the author and editor of my life’s story , did what great authors do. He paid purposeful and detailed attention to the transformation of my story’s main character, me. God took this flawed character and set me on the path to redemption (Isaiah 43:1). He gave me greater depth, moving the focus from what I look like (I Peter 3:3-4), what I do (I Corinthians 15:10), and from what others said or thought about me (Galatians 1:10). He gave my life meaning and a sense of purpose (Romans 8:28). He recreated me into His very image (Genesis 1:27).
Lessons Lived
Today, I can say, that while God is continually shaping and reshaping my character, I know without a doubt that:
- I am a child of God (John 1:12) therefore I am royalty (I Peter 2: 9)
- I am a friend of Jesus (John 15:15) link to friend
- I am Dark and Lovely (Song of Solomon 1:5)
- I am far greater than rubies (Proverbs 31:10)
- I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14)
- I am called with a purpose (Romans 8:28)
- I am a builder of my home and community (Proverbs 14:1)
- I am a help to those in need (Proverbs 31:20)
- I am gentle, quiet in spirit, with imperishable beauty, and precious to God (I Peter 3:3-4)
- I am dignified and faithful (I Timothy 3:11)
- I am discerning, offering words of wisdom and teachings of kindness (Proverbs 31:26)
- I have been cleansed and redeemed (Romans 3:24)
- I am forgiven (Ephesians 1:7)
- I am no longer slave to sin and death (Romans 8:1)
- I am free (Galatians 5:1)
- I am blessed (Ephesians 1:3)
- I am a light in this world (Matthew 5:14)
- I am chosen (Ephesians 1:4)
- I am strong and courageous (Joshua 1:9)
- I am more than a conqueror (Romans 8:37)
- I am secure (Ephesians 2:20)
- I am standing firm and I shall not be moved (Psalm 46:5)
- I am victorious (1 Corinthians 15:57)!
Praise God! Hallelujah! I am only because of the Great I AM! God has re-written my story, and has transformed this character into one designed in His image. Here I am, not where I thought I’d be, but exactly where God will have me to be. When we recognize God as the author of our story, we can live happily ever after, our lives serving as the greatest love story ever told.
Reflections
- How do 2 Corinthians 3:3 and 3:18 speak to you?
- What would happen if you dropped the pen and allowed God to author your life’s story?
- Which of the characterizations resonate with you? How do they manifest themselves in your life?
- Which of the characterizations took you by surprise and how so?
- How might you live as one in the image of God?
- What are your personal LIFE Lessons?
- Liberation: What new insights have you gained that have freed you from past thoughts and/or practices?
- Inspiration: In what ways have you been spiritually, emotionally and/or mentally motivated to live for Christ?
- Fortification: What additional scriptural texts, passages or stories can serve to reinforce and strengthen you against the attacks of the enemy?
- Edification: How might you share your story in order to edify others and bring glory to God?
Playlist
As you process, digest, and apply what’s been shared, here are a couple of songs from my “I Was Created” Playlist. Playlist. Listen, Let the music infiltrate your soul. Read the lyrics and let the words encourage you. And I pray that you’ll be blessed as I was.
- Worth – Anthony Brown – Worth (Full Version)
Prayer
