On Being Called — Our Bible App

Day 1 of 3: Who Does God Say You Are?

When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?”
So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”
Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

-Matthew 16:13-16 (NKJV)

When I was younger, I used to hear and teach that this passage had everything to do with salvation. That salvation was the point when Simon Peter was saved. And to an extent, I still believe that. But within its context, this story says so much. Many of us have been told what to believe. How to believe.

I would approach God as a queer trans woman thinking that He wouldn’t love me.

“Why not?” comes the question from God.
“Because... Franklin Graham said so.”
“And... ?”
“My pastor says I’m an abomination.”
“But do you know who I say you are?”

Simon Peter’s transformation wasn’t so much about what everyone thought about Jesus. He knew the truth. He knew the answer: that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God.

Deep within yourself, do you know who God says you are? Not what other people say you are, no matter how popular of a preacher they are. Not your parents, your friends, your accountability partners—not what they say. What does God say about you? Whose are you?

Fact of the matter is, if you consider yourself a child of God—that you’ve placed your trust and your faith in God—then you ARE a child of God, and nothing can take that away from you. One of my kids might not be talking to me at the moment. And that’s their right. At the end of the day, though, they’re still my kid. And I still love them to pieces.

No matter how far you feel from God, no matter where his “spokespeople” are in regards to your own relationship with God… He’s right there. And you’re His kid. Nothing you do will ever change that.

Dear God, today I ask for your help to reject the words that so many others might make me believe about myself and how you see me. Instead, I ask for your help to see You as You see me. To recognize the love You have for me. And to rest in that. I love you. Full stop. Amen.

Ellie Dote

Day 1 of 3: Who Does God Say You Are?

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