Knowing Who You Are Not In Order to Know Who You Are

January 29th, 2011

Written by Anita Carman
Dear Faithful One,

If you had to choose one hat to wear, what would be the one thing you must finish in your time on earth?

As I was reading the first chapter of the book of John, I observed how John the Baptist entered into a dialogue with those around him where he emphatically stated who he was not. When there is any confusion over your identity, could it be that we can get clarity by saying who we are not as our way to zero in on who we are.

John 1: 19-23 reads: Now this was John’s testimony when the Jews of Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him who he was. He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely, “I am not the Christ.” They asked him, “Then who are you? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.” Finally they said, “Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, “I am the voice of one calling in the desert, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’” NIV

When I make a list of all the roles I have or could have in life, I find myself very fragmented. However, when I sit with God and give Him the highlighter to mark the roles He chose for me, He connects the dots of my life. Lately, God challenged me even further by showing me that from all the roles He has given me, the primary role is that of being His ambassador. At a time when I wanted to focus on my own personal drama, I learned that laying down my drama to focus on being His ambassador disciplines my life for God’s greater purpose.

What about you? If you are feeling torn today, could it be because you have not settled your primary calling? Is it time to take the time to be sure?

I pray this devotion encouraged you in a special way. When I pray for you, I hear a victory song. I believe in you because I believe in the power of God’s Word in you as you put His Word into action.

Love, Anita