Who AM I

Once upon a time...
I was lost, identity unknown and my decisions derived from fear-
I was constantly on guard, exhausted in my attempts to stay two steps ahead of the enemy-
I was withered, from lack of nourishment
spiritually as well as emotionally-

Now...
Who I am, is a woman of purpose, the fear has ceased-
Who I am, can now keep an open mind, recognizing that not all are the enemy-
Who I am, may not always know the ingredients or motives, but clearly recognizes the substance-
Who I am, has blossomed through the word of God-
proud of my reflection, knowing my worth and never minimizing my contributions, big or small-
Who I am, is a child of God, thankful to finally know Him! 

( Our Daily Bread Devotional from May 16th, 2023 by Winn Collier)

When the San Francisco Evening Bulletin printed “Emperor” Norton’s announcement, most readers laughed. Norton made pronouncements aimed at correcting society’s ills, printed his own currency, and even wrote letters to Queen Victoria asking her to marry him and unite their kingdoms.

He wore royal military uniforms designed by local tailors. One observer said Norton looked “every inch a king.” But of course, he wasn’t. We don’t get to make up who we are.

Many of us spend years searching for who we are and wondering what value we possess. We flail, trying to name or define ourselves, when only God can truly tell us the truth about who we are. And, thankfully, He calls us His sons and daughters when we receive salvation in His Son, Jesus. “Yet to all who did receive him,” John writes, “he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12). And this identity is purely a gift. We are His beloved “children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision . . . but born of God” (v. 13).

God gives us our name and our identity in Christ. We can stop striving and comparing ourselves to others, because He tells us who we are.

Reflect: How do you know you’re chosen by God? How does being His child help you understand your true identity?

Prayer: God, I know that I’m Yours. Help me feel confidence in knowing that I’m born of You—a child of the King.