CWW Week 19 - Day 6 - Who Are You?
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Scripture.
John 1:12 in the New King James Version (NKJV) states:
“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.”
Devotional.
This verse highlights the promise that those who accept and believe in Jesus Christ are granted the privilege of becoming children of God, emphasising the transformative relationship offered through faith in Him.
The term “Children of God” seems to hold an exclusive footing. But being God’s child is not an exclusive title rather it is a privilege available for all who claim it.
What does it mean to be God’s child?
Well firstly you were created in God’s image and character. In the good old Australian vernacular, “you are a chip off the old block.” We can also be assured that God in His infinite wisdom creates nothing that does not have the capability to be perfect. Evil has had other ideas however and has set about counterfeiting and distorting the image and purpose of God.
So what might it mean in todays world to function as God created us to function given we have all been burdened with sin in all it’s forms.
To function as God had intended means adapting to the challenges of character development in ways that He designed us to. We still have a feee will and that includes being able to thrive through faith in adversity. God’s perfect parenting plan has always been stabilised on living a life experience to build resilience under pressure.
How else can we stand against the evil one, who has us in a meat grinder every single day, hoping that we will just give up. God has given us free will and the ability to make an educated choice. He knows the only way to build a defence against evil is to allow us to get close enough to the fire, that the experience of being burned once or twice will hone our survival skills.
These survival skills include knowing that He is the source of our power and we are stronger in knowing that. It is in that knowing that we become aware of our earthly limitations and hand ourselves over to His supernatural power.
Our strength lays in our vulnerability. By knowing that we have no power other than to choose, we have available to us, the greatest power in the universe.
A bit too flowery for you? Well think about it. Haven’t you noticed how many things seem to work out when we let go and let God?
So why don’t we do that more often? Because we are a work in progress and our faith is constantly being refined and developed.
Once again I lean into a great interpretation from my Life Application Study Bible which states. “All who welcome Jesus Christ as Lord of their lives are reborn spiritually, receiving new life from God inside out – rearranging our attitudes, desires and motives. Being born makes you physically alive and places you in your parents family. Being born of God makes you spiritually alive and puts you in God’s family. This fresh start in life is available to all who believe in Him.
The only qualification to become a member of God’s family is believing in Him whom was sent. Jesus is the only way to the Father and Jesus loves us just the way we are…..a work in progress.
Questions.
- Have you been let down by your earthly family?
- How would it be to see yourself as being one of God’s children?
- What can you do to start that process off in your life today?
Prayer.
Dear Lord, Papa God.
That my identity can be found in my relationship with You is a dream come true. As your child I am totally ready to be moulded in Your character. Thank You Papa that even though I struggle to seperate myself from sin, that you still hold me close. I am committed to remain on course in this journey which I know I can only travel in Your strength Lord. Please guide and lead me in this is my prayer in Your precious name Jesus. Amen.
Have a great day with Jesus.
Graham Hood.
