Who Am I?
Reflecting on the times I have ignored God's invitation, I have eased my conviction by thinking of Moses. He and I shared common ground. We both desired to do God's will, but in a moment of panic, suggested He pick somebody else. Moses told God his brother would do a better job speaking for Him because he was a priest and Moses was, well, a murderer. Burdened by shame and low self-esteem, Moses and I both asked, "Who am I, and why would you want me?"
God was not wrong. He gets us. He sees the wreckage and the fear. Low motivation, questioning, and doing things we really don't want to do but feel we should overwhelm our initiatives. Yet, if God took Moses in his brokenness and accomplished great miracles when he was willing to obey, what more could He do with those of us desiring to bid his calling?
God does not call the equipped; he equips the called. The story is told in Exodus chapter 4 and repeated throughout the Old and New Testaments. He discloses spiritual gifts to those who seek them.
During my faith journey, I have learned what spiritual gifts I have been blessed with so God can tap them when molding for his purpose. Each one of us has been blessed with spiritual gifts. The key is to discover what they are. Knowing our gifts makes us aware of who we are in God's plan for us, our family, our church, and, most importantly, His Kingdom.
Did you know that the Jews would not say God's name outright? They would use the word “Heaven” to refer to God. Thy Kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Matt 6:10 (NKJV) The Kingdom of Heaven becomes a reality when we walk in faith, serving others. If I bowed out from God's request, His grace would fail to bless the people around me. And more importantly, I would cut myself off from developing a deeper relationship with a loving spirit that sees me as much more valuable than I could have imagined.
I realized that when I understood my gifts, I avoided agreeing to do service that did not align with what God was asking me to do. Does this sound familiar? Serving from our giftedness, filled with grace, fuels our God story and plants us in purpose. Before we know it, we are serving God effortlessly in our 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)
Who am I?
I am a child of God blessed with the gifts of a Shepherd, a Mercy-Shower, and a Teacher with a distinct style of my own to serve his Kingdom. What gifts will you use to bring God's Kingdom to earth?
Reflection and Call to Action:
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. What experiences have you had that resonate with you when working with others?
2. Take a spiritual assessment online and see how you are gifted. Many good ones are free.
3. Ask God for specific directions on how to discover your gifts. How might you take them and begin to serve a sacred purpose that might be right in front of you?
