Who Am I?

 "Who am I, Lord God, and what is my family, that You have brought me this far?" (1 Chronicles 17:16 NIV)

These are the words of King David after he had expressed a desire to build a house for the Lord. God's response through the prophet Nathan was to inform David that he would not be the one to build the Lord a house but one of David's own sons would be raised up to complete the task. I can imagine that David on the one hand may have been somewhat disappointed that he would not be the architect for the Lord's house. However, on the other hand, David's response in 1 Chronicles 17:16 was the opening statement of his prayer of worship and appreciation for all the Lord had done for David and his family as well as all that God was going to do in the future. 

GOD IS FAITHFUL

As I was meditating on this verse I was struck by God's history of faithfulness in my own life. I don't consider myself to be better than or more loved by God than anyone else. When I go out into the community, people are not stopping me on the street and asking for my autograph. In today's culture a person is considered as having "made it" if their fame and fortune becomes recognized not only in the country but all over the world. Their pictures are plastered all over magazine covers and their social media is followed by millions of people. However, it only takes one poor decision or some other catastrophic event to cancel their celebrity status. One could say that king David was a "celebrity" in his day. God raised him up from the status of a shepherd to become king over the nation of Israel. Yet, even after the Lord informed David that he would not be the one to build the temple for the Lord's glory, David did not throw a tantrum and declare "But I'm the king! How could You deny me this great opportunity?" No, in humility David demonstrates a sense of awe that he was even chosen to fulfill God's plan. A plan and a lineage that would eventually lead to the coming of the Messiah. 

GOD IS SOVEREIGN

Similarly, I stand in awe of the Lord's movement in my family. If someone had told me that the Lord would one day call me to bring spiritual healing to His people through pastoral ministry, I would have thought they were on drugs or insane. My great-grandmother, a woman of Jamaican descent co-founded a church which still exists today in Roxbury, Ma. Some of her daughters, my great aunts, went on to faithfully serve the Lord until their passing. Out of all of my extended family members, I find myself asking the same question, "Who am I, Lord God, and what is my family, that You have brought me this far?" A black woman who lives in a country overshadowed by a history of racism, yet who has been able to cross cultural barriers and bring the word of God to His people regardless of their race and ethnic background. Such a feat can only be accomplished by the Lord Himself. Jeremiah says of the Lord, "Ah, Sovereign Lord, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for You." (Jeremiah 32:17 NIV) In the same chapter, the Lord declares of Himself, "I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for Me?" (Jeremiah 32:27 NIV) 

GOD OF THE IMPOSSIBLE

In the New Testament, in Luke chapter 18, Jesus shares a story of a rich ruler who wanted to know what he had to do to inherit eternal life. This ruler had kept the Law to the best of his ability so no doubt he thought he had it "made in the shade." However, when Jesus challenges the ruler to sell all he has and come follow Jesus, the man couldn't give up his wealth. Jesus went on to tell His listeners the difficulty the rich face in entering the kingdom of God. His listeners feel a sense of hopelessness and ask Jesus, "Who then can be saved?" Jesus replied, "What is impossible with man is possible with God." (Luke 18:26-27 NIV) The lesson? Our God has the power to move mountains and raise people from the dead. Those who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ have been given gifts by His Holy Spirit to fulfill His calling and will for their lives. The apostle Paul in speaking about spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12:11 states, "All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and He distributes them to each one, just as He determines." (NIV) I confess I struggled and at times still do with what I call "Moses moments," wishing God had chosen someone else under such challenging circumstances. I question why God gave me pastoral gifts, knowing the hurdles I would face not only from the world but also from some fellow believers. Over time I have come to the humble realization that God doesn't make mistakes and I and my extended family have been gifted by God's grace with what some may see as an impossible task. However, I serve the God of the impossible!

All glory to Him!

Pastor Sheree