I AM WHAT I AM

"But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain...." 1Corinthians 15:10

Sometimes we have days that leave us with the frustrated feeling that we would have been better off staying in bed. The whole day appeared to be a waste! We may wonder why God made us like we are; wishing He had made us wise as others we know, or as strong, as talented, or as ambitious. Our own state of mind leaves us disappointed by the limited abilities we think we have and the poor opportunities offered us to make use of them. The best cure for this attitude is gratitude!

"Thus saith God the Lord, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein: I the Lord have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant
of the people, for a light of the Gentiles." Isaiah 42:5,6

Each of us should say, "I did not choose the circumstances of my birth, my parents, my intelligence, my body characteristics. All these vital components were chosen for me by God." We are God's beloved children! Therefore, we should say with pride, "All that I am and have is a gift from God."

"So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith." Romans 12:5,6

Many of us are unhappy with ourselves. We have one or more features we wish we could change to be more like someone else we know. When we feel uncomfortable with who we are in comparison to others, we have lost sight of the true goal set before us ~ to be more like Christ!

"For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread." 1Corinthians 10:17

In Christ, God redeemed us as His own. Through His Spirit, poured out on us in Baptism, He endows each of us with special gifts and talents for rendering service to Him. God calls us to put our abilities to work for the good of the whole church ~ a labor of love that is a joy! If then, we are experiencing a loss of creativity or enthusiasm in our daily lives, it may be an indication that we have stepped out of the area for which God has uniquely equipped us ~ service to Him! When we are the person God designed us to be, and we are doing all that we can, with all that we are, we will find satisfaction and contentment within our daily lives.

Application: Don't feel inferior or downgrade yourself. On the other hand, don't take
credit for your good looks or perhaps your good fortune, and the opportunities they give you. We must keep ourselves humble. "I am what I am" refers to being worth much to our Father, and to say this is to honor Him.

Today's Devotion: "There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all." Ephesians 4:4-6

God Bless You all as you reveal who you are, bringing glory to our Lord and Savior.