Many years ago I remember one of my mother’s friends asking me “when will you marry” and out of the natural response I replied “it’ll happen when God says it will happen”. Sadly enough I really didn’t believe the words that were coming out of my mouth. At that point I truly believed that I would never find someone that I could marry. I had been told by several men, both family members and those who were just friends, that “no man will ever deal with you the way you are”. As if my personality was just too much. Over the last few years though I have had the opportunity to observe and get to know some true men of God that let me know that they love me just the way I am. They never asked me to change! On the contrary, they celebrated those very things that other saw as weaknesses. They were able to acknowledge my strength and lovingly walk me through strengthening my weaknesses. Because of their love and patience I’m a better person today.
As I sat back today and realized how far I’ve come I’m so very thankful. I’m thankful that God has completely replaced the negative group of people with an awesome group of friends. These friends are also pushing to be the best that they can be. Being around all of this greatness pushes me to be the best that I can be. As I sit and look at those around me I wonder “when did this transition happen”, “how did we get here”? This transition all began with one small (loaded question)… WHO ARE YOU TO ME?
That question made me ponder people’s purposes in my life. For the things that I am doing and that I will do in the future God knew I had to have a set group of friends and family members around me that would encourage me when I need it most, correct me in love, and respect that I knew the voice of God when it looked like I was walking on air! Did you tell God this year “I want to live in the purpose that you have for me. I want to leave this earth only after I have used every bit of the gift that you have given me.” Is this you? Then come closer….closer…closer:
As you are waiting on your next instruction you may want to look at those that are close to you and ask the question “who are you to me?” Now know that this is a fatal question. You may lose some people, you may gain others, but isn’t the loss worth it if you get to live out your purpose? I mean the things on earth that you would love to wake up to in the morning and fall asleep working on at night! I’m talking about the things that give you an excitement that has never been seen before. My purpose is worth so much because it holds the freedom of others. It holds people that have never heard about Jesus.
These are the very people that allowed me to change my focus and ask the exact same question. After God removed all of the people that didn’t need to be my focus, I have seen those that really need someone to hone in on them and ask “who are you to me?” What is it that I can do for them? Unknowingly God had not only changed those people that were around me, but He had also given me a servant’s heart! I sit before you today whole. Not perfect, but whole. So to those of you that gave me your ear, I’ll ask again, is this change worth those people or things that you continue to try to hang on to or are you now prepared to let them go? God will give you awareness, wisdom, and understanding as long as you are ready to receive it. James 1:5 states:
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
When you ask for wisdom and understanding of who a person is to you and what your purpose is in their life your vision will become clear and focused. I thank God daily for bring those Godly men I spoke of earlier into my life at the very moment that I needed them. They were only available because their hearts were that of a servant. Their vision was clear and focused. Because of their small yes, they were sent to help me, and I in turn have been changed for the better to reach out to others. This question of “who are you to me” is a catalyst of sorts. It is the question that initiates a change, foster’s that same change in another individual, and then repeats itself over and over again. Take the time today to be the change agent in someone else’s life. You never know what a person sitting next to you needs to hear that could change the course of their lives. You never know what a few kind and honest words will ignite.
No comments:
Post a Comment