Who Are You?

Today was Education Day at church, and it was such a blessing to watch the children from the church school lead the service. Seeing so many young people already committed to the Lord and His work truly touched my heart.

After service, my parents were called into a meeting, so I found myself wandering the back hallway while I waited for them.

That’s when I ran into a former acquaintance.

And the questions began.

What do you do?
What are you up to?
Where do you work?

Before I could even catch my breath, I was pulled into a private corner and asked the big one:

“So… is there someone special?”

I answered politely that I had someone in mind.

Now most people would understand that as, I’m praying about it and not ready to share. But not this time. Oh no. She kept pressing. She wasn’t going to rest until I gave her a name.

And I thought to myself…

What is it with us sometimes?

Why do we feel the need to know everything about everyone sitting across the pew? A friend of mine jokingly calls people like this “CCs”-Competing Christians. Always comparing, always measuring blessings, and always trying to size up where you are in life.

Now, anyone who knows me knows I’m a private person. I don’t need to talk every day. I’m perfectly fine catching up once in a while and keeping the rest between God and me.

There’s a difference between genuine concern and being downright nosy.

By the time the conversation was over, I felt drained-almost like I had been reduced to something smaller than myself.

When I got home, I felt discouraged.

I started asking God those questions we sometimes whisper in frustration:

Why am I here?
Why does it feel like everyone else is moving ahead?
When will it be my turn?

And then the truth hit me.

Since when do I need external affirmation to define me?

I am a daughter of the Most High God.
That alone is enough.

God has a plan for my life. There is a reason for every season, even the ones that feel like waiting. God doesn’t start something He doesn’t intend to finish.

Instead of telling God how big my trials are, I need to turn around and tell those trials how big my God is.

I am somebody-not because of titles, timelines, or other people’s expectations-but because God is still writing my life story.

There’s a song that says:

“Please be patient with me, God is not through with me yet.”

When God is finished, we will come forth as pure gold. That’s the strength we hold onto when others misunderstand, question, or try to measure our lives by their standards.

Our purpose is to serve and please God.

That doesn’t mean we shouldn't have dreams, goals, or aspirations. It simply means those things should never define us. We place them in God’s hands and trust Him to bring them to pass according to His will.

Because when God writes your story, it will stand on a foundation that nothing can destroy.

So take your dreams to Him and leave them there.
Then get up, praise Him for what He’s already done and for what’s coming. Then, keep living the life He’s blessed you to live.

And the next time someone questions your existence and where you are in life...

Take a breath. Smile.

And answer boldly:

I am a child of the King-highly favored, truly blessed, and a masterpiece in the making.