Who You Are
Remember who God says you are
“Timothy, my son, I am giving you this command in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by recalling them you may fight the battle well, holding on to faith and a good conscience…” (1 Timothy 1:18-19a, NIV).
Recently, I blocked out some time to get away and pray about goals and objectives for 2024. I often hear from God outside, so I decided to go fishing. I drove to a park in the Milwaukee area on the banks of the Milwaukee River. I put on my waders, tied up a two-fly nymph rig with an egg fly and a stonefly on my line, and headed into the water. In the winter, steelhead and brown trout come up the Milwaukee River from Lake Michigan, and I was hoping to hook up with one of those acrobatic fish!
As I fished, I prayed and listened. I was going to stop for a bit to write in my journal, but my hands were too cold! I talked with God about frustrations, hurt, losses, and the year ahead. God’s presence was near, and it felt like we were conversing—the thoughts were coming and going like dialogue.
God brought me through several verses in 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus during the afternoon. One of them I’ve quoted above. To paraphrase, God was saying, Remember the prophecies once made about you. Standing in the truth of who I say you are will give you the strength to fight the battle well. Keep trusting me and do what I’ve called you to do. I’ll take care of the rest.
Then, the Lord reminded me of what a friend of mind, an EFCA pastor in Tennessee, had prayed for us a few years ago. He prayed prophetically over us, and some of the things he said would happen did happen! There are other things he prayed about that haven’t happened yet. But I believe they will. God was calling me to remember them and keep trusting him.
Recalling these things to mind was an encouraging and uplifting exercise. I felt strengthened in the Lord and less dependent on my abilities. My objectives were clarified, and my focus was sharpened. When the enemy whispers lies about me, I will remember who God says I am and what God has called me to do, and he will give me the strength to fight the battle well.
Do you know who God says you are? Have you ever asked him? You don’t typically hear this from the Lord in a single three-minute prayer. But I would encourage you to make 2024 the year of listening for God to speak about who you are, what you’re called to do, and who he’s placed in your path to share Christ with this year.
It’s not a complicated process. I may write more in future posts, but you’ll start with God’s Word. As you read Scripture, ask the Lord, “Who do you say I am? How can I serve you today?” Keep reading, keep reflecting on the verses you read, and keep asking. You’ll hear when the time is right.
This week and last week’s blog posts have been right in line with the things God is doing and saying in my prayer life and the lives of those close to me. Praise God!