For Me…Not You

In our prayer time the other day, Kristin prayed for me with a great phrase. She asked, “Lord, continue to show Chris who he is and don’t let him focus on who he is not.” What a great prayer! That phrase has been working through me in the last few days. 

I have extraordinary people all around me. My wife is a tremendous leader and visionary. My kids and their spouses are all creative and do things that blow me away artistically. My grandkids all have such unique personalities. On both sides of our families, we have parents of great wisdom and siblings who accomplish great things in their expertise areas. The staff at GFC is genuinely humbling to watch in action. Old to young, newest to the most tenured – they are top shelf in their love of God and people.

Yet, all of us have our faults, challenges, and blind spots too! We are far from perfect. We have attitudes and behaviors that cause us to dive into our strengths and talents. We choose our will instead of God’s will many times. We make mistakes, we sin…we fall short…we get tired…we fail.

God birthed in our hearts a need and desire for community. He gave us family as a core nucleus to our upbringing and development. Relationships do so much for as we progress through life. With all of that, you would think God’s focus would be on humanity as a whole. In his unlimited capacity, he has an eye on humanity.

BUT…

‘”I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born, I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.”‘ Jeremiah 1:5 NLT.

Notice all the “I” ‘s and the “you” ‘s. “I knew you,” “I formed you,” “I set you apart,” and “I appointed you.” He made you so perfect that He dreamed of you; he fashioned you with all your gifts and talents; he gave you a purpose and a message to share. 

And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.’ Matthew 10:30-31

Why would God want to know how many hairs are on your head? How many are missing from the time before? He wants to know every detail about you – inside and out.

‘For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. ‘Jeremiah 29:11

If God is that interested in who we are, how we are made and gifted, and has plans and purposes for us…why would we want to compare ourselves to anyone else? God has equipped us with everything we need to be confident in who we are in Him. He has empowered us to accomplish everything before us in our day with excellence and joy. He will be with us during every challenge, life curveball, and question. His Word says that He doesn’t want us to be afraid, anxious, or weary. He doesn’t let us go alone…He never leaves us nor forsakes us.

Go get ’em today…and you thought this blog was written for you.