Stephen Anthony Ray

I am a child of God. That truth alone forms the essence of my identity. It means that I am created to love God and to be loved by him, reflecting the faithfulness and community exhibited by the Triune God himself. God loves me just for me, yet he is offering to transform me into the fullness of his intention for my life, taking my soul to places beyond my wildest dreams. Therefore, my sin and struggles, though reprehensible, can no longer define me. God himself defines me by loving me and sending his Son to die in my place. He cares for me like a Father, and protects me like a great army. He is both big and small; transcendent and immanent. Furthermore, though my life is sometimes littered with various temptations and painful trials, God will use those things to strengthen me. They will refine my faith and constantly draw me closer to himself, beckoning and sometimes forcing me into the deepest parts of my heart where I can meet with him. Joy and peace, then, are not like emotions, which are shallow and easily manipulated. Rather, they are based on God; thus in his consistency, they are likewise consistent. My worship cannot be merely emotional. Because, like the moon, it would wax and wane according to all kinds of manipulative forces, including my circumstances. No, my worship must be faithful like God is faithful. In Christ, my circumstances no longer determine me; I determine my circumstances. The truth: He loves me. I am his child. That alone changes everything.

SRay