Who Do You Say I Am?

I love the church I go to. It’s free, deep, and full of the presence of God. Many times, I have seen people touched so deeply by God that they get “drunk” in the Spirit. I think it is absolutely gorgeous to watch and I confess that at times I get envious of those experiences. I want to get so lost in God that I become a squishy puddle on the floor. ha ha ha ha

Yet, I don’t.

Why?

Because I have these two hindrances called fear and control. Both work together to keep me powerless to let go. Letting go in any situation (for me) means that I run the risk of looking like a fool and being open to criticism or, worse, rejection. I want to tell you that I am secure in who God has made me be; the truth is I falter.

Oh, how I want more of God’s presence. To be able to let go and trust him completely – Wow. Although I can’t tell you how to let go, because I don’t know how to, I can share with you an encounter that I had with Jesus this week and pull out a few pointers:

Laying the foundation

To put it into perspective, let’s quickly read this portion of Scripture together:

 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven.  And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

Matthew 16:13-19

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Who do you say I am?

I found myself sitting on a raft-like structure with a thundering sound akin to a waterfall nearby. I was bobbing in the river with Jesus sitting near me. I knew I was safe. In my hands was an anchor (I love anchors). Lifting his head to look me straight in the eye, Jesus said “That anchor is holding you back from experiencing the more of me. Ailie, Who do you say I am?”

I was taken by surprise. Why would Jesus want to ask me that question? That was a question he asked the disciples. Deciding I needed clarity, I asked Jesus, Why do you want me to answer that question?

Because that’s how you can get rid of the anchor (if you want to). That anchor is the lie that you are believing about me; it says that I can’t be fully trusted. It’s one of your belief systems linked to your self-independence. Ailie, who do you say I am?

At this point, I realized that telling Jesus who he is to me had the power to set me free and move me deeper in my relationship with him. Did I see him the way others did (like the apostles spoke about) or did I know Jesus and believe his character. I didn’t want to be held back, so, I answered him:

You are the one who never disappoints me or lets me down. Life disappoints me but you don’t. You are the one who is always there for me, helping me, and protecting me. This is who you are.

These words and more I spoke to Jesus. As I spoke, the anchor disappeared into the water and the raft-like structure began to move. Jesus leaned closer and whispered, “The roar you hear is not a waterfall but the sound of the Father’s voice.”

…and among the lamp-stands was someone like a son of man, dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. The hair on his head was white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. Revelations 1:13-15

Our words bring freedom

Jesus asked his disciples the question: Who do you say I am because he wanted to bring to their awareness the deep truths that were already in their heart. He had spent enough time with them to know that they knew him. Now, they needed to release it through their spoken words. It’s one thing to hear someone else’s revelation; it’s another to have your own.

This question brings to the surface your revelation of who Jesus is. It sheds light on your beliefs and views thus highlighting those places that need healing, restoration, and forgiveness. It stirs up our faith. Faith is more than listening to the Bible, sermons, etc (as good as that it). Faith is action. We put faith into action through our behavior and our words. It is driven from the depths of our hearts and out into the world around us.

When we admit to who Jesus is to us, we reinforce those characteristics he has in our hearts. He is the Son of God who is faithful, good, and trustworthy. So, when situations arise to question this view, our words remind us of our conviction and strengthen us to cling to our God.

Who do you say I am? Who is Jesus to you? Allow him to bring your conviction and revelation to the surface to anchor you more in him, strengthen your heart, and encourage you of his faithfulness.

Resources for your walk with God:

Disclaimer: This post has affiliate links which means that I get a small commission (at no extra charge) when you purchase my recommended products. All products recommended are those I believe wholeheartedly will help you live in the freedom God has for you as well as deepen your relationship with Him.

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When Heaven Invades Earth, 10th Anniversary Expanded Edition: A Practical Guide to a Life of Miracles By Bill Johnson

Knowing God Intimately: Being as Close to Him as You Want to Be
By Joyce Meyer / FaithWords

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