Fresh Mannaby Pastor Tim BurtWho am I? It’s a question we’ve all wrestled with at some point, especially as we grow up, trying to figure out where we fit and what we’re meant to do. The journey of self-discovery can be messy, filled with doubts, dreams, and the pressure to meet expectations—our own and others. But at its core, understanding who we are begins with understanding who God made us to be. So what does God say about who He made us to be? His word says that we are designed for a relationship with God and to fulfill His purpose in the world.Ephesians 2:10 (NLT) says, "For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago."2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV) says, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" This is saying that when we surrender our life to Jesus, He begins a total makeover within us!2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV) says, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"And 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV) says, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind," meaning that God equips us with His Spirit, enabling us to live boldly and confidently in His will.Pause for a minute and reflect on that. It's mind-blowing that the God of this universe could love each and every one of us that much. The more I grew in confidence in His love for and desire to use me, the more I wanted to love Him and live for Him! This is where I began to build my foundation on who God created me to be.The more I learned and meditated on God's promises to watch over me, bless me, and protect me as I walked in His ways, the greater my trust grew. I learned that the Bible was His voice, providing guidance and boundaries to transform my life, helping me live for Him, and strengthening me against the temptations and destructive places the enemy of my soul tried to lure me into. This revelation launched me onto a transforming path of life, opening the eyes of my heart to understand who God wanted me to be. From that point on, I began to become who God wanted me to be. It was exciting because I knew it was His path, His will, and that I could trust the Lord to enable me to become the person He created me to be.God says to those that seek Him today, the same thing He said to His people of old. "Return, O Israel, to the LORD your God. Your sins have been your downfall! Take words with you and return to the LORD. Say to him: 'Forgive all our sins and receive us graciously, that we may offer the fruit of our lips.'” Hosea 14:1-2 (NIV) This verse begins with Hosea the prophet speaking God’s words directly to His people. He addresses them as “O Israel.” The name “Israel,” which God gave to Jacob, literally means “The power and strength to lead as God.” This is how God addressed them—His chosen people, whom He established a covenant with, giving them the power and strength to lead as He would in the world.Think about that! God named them “Israel” because they were to be His influencers—His leaders, representing Him and His ways on earth. They were called to be a people group that God was raising up as a light to the world, to demonstrate His ways and His power. But, like us, they struggled to believe that God would want to use them in this way. Feeling ordinary and often caught in carnal thinking and actions, they wondered, How could this be possible?We aren't to strive to fit in with people that don't know or care about God, who focus on selfishness and sin, and oppose God’s ways and standards. If fitting in is your goal, you’ll never become who God wants you to be. You’ll never live in the fullness of His blessing or shine as the light God created you to be.Israel failed in this over and over and so will anyone who isn't determined to live their life for God. What did God say to them? God said: “O Israel, return to the LORD your God, for you have stumbled because of your iniquity (sin)…” He cried out for them to come back to who He created them to be. He told them: “Take words with you and return to the LORD. Say to Him: 'Take away all iniquity; receive us graciously.'” (Hosea 14:1-2 (NKJV) “Take words” means to accept His counsel. God invited them to confess their sins and ask for His grace—His undeserved forgiveness and blessings.He also told them to offer the “fruit of their lips”—to praise Him for who He is, for all He has done, and for all He has promised to do. This act of praise would stir their hearts and remind them of their special calling.So, Who are you? Psalm 95:7 (NIV) says: “For He is our God; and we are the people of His pasture, the sheep of His hand. Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts…”If Jesus is your Lord, then you are His people. You are not just another face in the crowd; you are someone God established a covenant with through Jesus Christ. He gives you power and strength through the Holy Spirit to grow, mature, and influence others for Him.It may feel hard to believe, but as you walk this journey, you’ll discover and experience your purpose by living it out. Be the light and influence God created you to be!Isaiah 43:1 (NLT) says: “But now, O Israel, the Lord who created you says: Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine.”In His love,Pastor Tim Burt
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