What does God think?

Have you ever taken a personality test? Or maybe a quiz in a magazine or on social media that inform you of who you are? Are you a lion, a beaver, an ENFP, the skeptic, the giver, a competitor, and activator? We all want to know who we are, don’t we? 

As helpful, and as fun as those tests can be, have you ever stopped to ask, “What does God think about me? 

Who does God say that I am?”

God actually has a lot to say about the matter — a whole bible full!  From the beginning of the bible to the very last page, we are told that we are valuable (Matthew 10:31), created in the very image of God (Genesis 2:7; Genesis 1:27; Psalm 139:16). That God knows everything about us and that we were fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:13; Matthew 10:30; Psalm 139:4; Psalm 139:14).

We are told that we are free and forgiven (Romans 8:1-2; I John 1:9) We have been saved by grace (Ephesians 2:8). We are secure in God (Romans 8:39; John 10:29; Hebrews 13:5).  And that is just the tip of the iceberg.

Go on a hunt to discover what God thinks of you…you may find that the quizzes can’t define you… but what God thinks of you does!

On Sunday we sang this amazing song.  Check it out. Who You Say I Am

(Words and Music by Ben Fielding & Reuben Morgan)

VERSE 1

Who am I that the highest King

Would welcome me

I was lost but He brought me in

Oh His love for me

Oh His love for me

CHORUS

Who the Son sets free

Oh is free indeed

I’m a child of God

Yes I am

VERSE 2

Free at last

He has ransomed me

His grace runs deep

While I was a slave to sin

Jesus died for me

Yes He died for me

CHORUS 2

Who the Son sets free

Oh is free indeed

I’m a child of God

Yes I am

In my Father’s house

There’s a place for me

I’m a child of God

Yes I am

BRIDGE

I am chosen

Not forsaken

I am who You say I am

You are for me

Not against me

I am who You say I am

JOY!

In the midst of stress, worry, fear, and uncertainty, how can we obtain the abundant joy that God promises throughout the Bible to those who love Him? 

Having joy and peace seems almost impossible in these tumultuous times, doesn’t it? But let me tell you from very personal experience, you can.

This year has been difficult, on so many fronts, and yet this past weekend was full of incredible joy as we celebrated the wedding of my daughter, Emily, and the love of her life, Matthew.  Everything about it seemed magical: the venue, the flowers, the candle lit aisle, her outfit, even the mist in the air as we were having photos taken outside. In the middle of a global pandemic and all the stresses and complications — there was joy!

God does that. God continually provides for each of us reminders that we can find joy even in the midst trials and difficulties.

It's true that some trials are big, and some are small. Trials come in all different shapes and sizes.

So what is the secret to joy in trials? What’s the secret for a Christian to have joy while suffering through financial hardship, cancer, the loss of a loved one? Is it realistic that both joy and grief can exist together?

We can see this throughout scripture. Peter writes about it and Paul lived it. Look at what the Apostle Paul said about his trials in 2 Corinthians 6:10: “Sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything”.

Paul said he was at the same time “sorrowful” and still “rejoicing.” 

To have joy in trials is not to deny pain. It’s to recognize the fact that they can exist together. They can co-exist in the same way two people can exchange vows and promises of a joyful future in the midst of a global pandemic, or as an expectant mother can go through the pain of childbirth and still have joy in thinking about what is to come. Both have joy because they have the “right focus” as they consider their promising lives together. In the same way, we must have the right focus in order to have joy in the midst of trials.

What is the “right focus” to obtain joy in the midst of our trials?

• Focus on God’s love, sovereignty and purpose in trials. The trial may be necessary for our growth and maturity in Christ. (1 Peter 1:6)

• Focus on our faith, trials prove the genuineness of our faith (1 Peter 1:7)

• Focus on our relationship with God, trials can bring deep intimacy with God. (1 Peter 1:8-9)

• Focus on the eternal glory; faithfulness in trials will be rewarded. (1 Peter 1:6-7)

May you persevere by staying focused on the prize and know that God is preparing you, maturing you, and blessing you beyond what you could ever hope or imagine!

May you find JOY!

"It is a joy for us to bless you."

This coming Saturday my baby (well…my adult daughter) is getting married!!!  Brian and I are thrilled by Emily’s choice in a partner. Matthew is a wonderful young man who has easily fit into our family and we love that he adores our Emily.

I need not tell you that weddings are full of extra activities and, the occasional stresses. Planning a wedding in the midst of a Global pandemic is all the more…how shall I say it? Interesting ;) We have been so blessed to have dear friends who have come alongside to assist in ways I didn’t even realize we needed help. 

These same friends are the ones who have, for years, shared our burdens and made our lives all the richer. When we express our gratitude to them, their response is always, “it is a joy for us to bless you”.  Their humble response is indicative of who they are.  They give of themselves, freely and often, and not just to us but to so many others!

They remind me of the scripture we talked about on Sunday, in There’s a Reason (part 2)

Mark 10:45:

“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many." 

- Jesus

Jesus is our greatest example of selflessness. Scripture is full of examples of Him serving others - from going out of His way to talk to the woman at the well, to healing lepers, to washing His disciples' feet, to the ultimate sacrifice of giving His life. 

We can get so caught up in own own needs that we may not think of others or look for ways to serve like Jesus. But not my friends.

They truly inspire me. 

Opportunities to serve are all around us. From raking leaves for a neighbour, or buying and delivering groceries to shut-ins, to throwing a beautiful shower for the daughter of a friend.

We are given plenty of opportunities to imitate Jesus. And I know that if we are open, God will put someone in our path whom we can serve today. 

Let's consider their needs and serve them unreservedly and gladly, and may we too, find the joy in blessing others.

Be Well and Be Grateful… you are loved beyond measure!