One morning as I sat at my desk, my co-worker approached me with a document for my boss to sign. She announced, "It's only me." Before I took the document, I said, "You are more than only."
Her eyes lit up as she agreed with me. "I am more than only."
Earlier that morning, I read the riveting story of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17. That's where I was introduced to the concept of "only." The good guys (Israelites) are supposed to be fighting the bad guys (Philistines). But every Israelite solider is too afraid because of one giant of a man--Goliath. David, an unassuming shepherd boy from Bethlehem enters the scene because his father sent him with bread and cheese for his brothers, who are supposed to be in battle. David learns that Goliath has been ridiculing and discouraging the soldiers and the God of Israel. He is infuriated! King Saul, leader of Israel, hears about it and summons David. Confidently, David says to Saul, "Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine; your servant will go and fight him" (verse 32, NIV).
Now this is Saul's response.
“You are not able to go out against this Philistine and fight him; you are only a young man, and he has been a warrior from his youth.”
Does David get offended by this comparison? No. He recounts all the experiences he went through to prepare him for this. very. day. Then he boldly states that God, who brought him through before, would do it again! The next time we tell ourselves that "I am only ...", let us recount all the things God brought us through. Let us place our faith confidently in God. David faced Goliath and slew him. Who is your Goliath? Are you ready to do battle and win?
A Short Exercise
I'm inviting you to try this exercise with me.
Step One
Fill in the blank with the answer that readily comes to your mind. "When I face a particular challenge, I would usually tell myself I am only a(n) ___________."
Step Two
Think about at least one thing in your past that prepared you for this challenge.
Step Three
Reframe the statement with an "I Am" statement.
Final Reminder
We are not powerless to the situations and circumstances around us. When we place our faith in Jesus Christ and surrender our lives to Him, He empowers us with the Holy Spirit. 1 John 4:4 (NIV) reminds us that we overcome because 'the one who is within us is greater than he who is in the world.'
We are more than only!
Kerry-Ann McPherson
Project Manager & Managing Editor, VBD Magazine
