Who Am I?
Written by Dawn Okrasinski
When I think of all the times I have bowed out of God's call with honorable excuses, I ease my conviction by thinking of Moses. He and I share common ground; Both desired to do God's will, but in a moment of panic, suggested He pick somebody else. Sound familiar? Moses pointed out that his brother would do a better job speaking on behalf of God being a Levite, while I, too, think those around me should do the work because they have more going on for them. They are more intelligent and know people. He's a teacher, or she's a published author. Moses and I both ask, "Who am I?" I know God does not call the equipped; he equips the called. Yet, fear of failure, not being good enough, or just the fact that it requires me to set aside my worldly schedule and commit is enough to pull me up short and question. Once again, the humanness in me gets in the way of the divine.
People who love what they do for a living do not work. The same holds true when using our spiritual gifts. Many have faithfully jumped into the middle of their calling only to find that this new "ministry" is not doubtful toil but one of joy. A pure joy, filled with grace which fuels our own God story and plants us in purpose. Before we know it, we are serving God effortlessly in our own unique way. And serve each other according to the gift each person has received as good managers of God's diverse gifts. 1 Peter 4:10 (CEB) If we bow out from God's call, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ fails to bless the people around us, and our relationship with Jesus does not flourish.
To bless others with our gifts leads to a more profound spiritual knowing about who we are in the plan God has for us, our family, our church, and most importantly, for His Kingdom. Did you know that the Jews would not say God's name outright, so they would use the word heaven to refer to God? The Kingdom of Heaven is realized when we walk in faith, serving others, and God brings his Kingdom to earth. Thy Kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Matt 6:10 (NKJV) This Kingdom is truly the heart of our Savior, who forgives, serves, heals, and loves from a source that never empties, being constantly filled by his Father. Our Father.
Who am I? I am a child of God blessed with gifts uniquely mine to serve his Kingdom, and you are too! What gifts will you use to bring God's Kingdom to our community?
Pray and Reflect:
Exodus 3:11 (NIV) But Moses said to God, "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?"
1 Corinthians 1:4-7 (AMP) I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus, that in everything you were exceedingly enriched in Him, in all speech empowered by the spiritual gifts and all knowledge, with insight into faith.
Hebrews 13:20-21 (NKJV) Now the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, even Jesus our Lord, equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Reflection and Call to Action:
What do you love to do? What experience have you had that really resonates with you when working with others? Connect with others to open doors to your ministry.
This week, take one step to reach out to someone you know within the church or community that has a working ministry. Ask about volunteering. Reflect on what this process feels like? What did you learn about your faith walk during this outreach? Journal after volunteering to seek out what God is saying to you and where you should go next to find your place in his Kingdom.
Prayer is the conduit of the Holy Spirit. Specifically, ask God to convey to you through the Spirit what you were wonderfully made for? Act on it!
