Who I Am… by Robert Schaetzle
To complete the title ‘who I am’ is this: knowing and living God’s promises of who I am in Christ and who I am becoming, as I reach toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:14 NRSV)
Each day, all followers of Jesus are to recognize God’s Spiritual presence in all their circumstances. Yet, what’s behind us should not become a stumbling block for today! Yesterday is past, and tomorrow isn’t here yet. Just as what is before us is God’s to control, not us — so let us learn to say, “Thank You Lord… for your leading!”
Blessed assurance comes through God’s preeminent power, not the circumstances before me. Therefore I shouldn’t lament and attempt to control matters I’m not in authority over. Once I’ve committed my circumstances into the grace and authority of God’s hands, it becomes a ‘hope not yet seen,’ otherwise, it’s not hope. “For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.” (Romans 8:24-25 RSV)
Every day we’re exposed to situations we wouldn’t choose for ourselves, neither are we the solution to correct or repair every problem that is before us. God’s abiding Holy Spirit intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words (Romans 8:26 RSV). The power of His presence is our refuge.
Our family is witness to God’s Spirit at work through my wife’s challenge with ‘Acute Myeloma Leukemia,’ these last three years. His Spiritual presence in us, along with our five children and their families, is bringing us all closer to God — who brings us closer to each other.
Father, thank you for your preeminent authority at rule in our lives.
Robert lives in Sunnyvale, CA serving in a Sharing and Caring Ministry. Contact