I Am _____

God introduced Himself to Moses with just two words: "I AM." Typically that phrase needs a third word to complete the sentence. But because God is everything and everyone and everywhere that He needs to be in every moment, His name doesn't need a third word.

You and I, on the other hand, need that third word to anchor our identities to specific, tangible, descriptive terms. But completing the "I am _________" sentence is not as easy as it sounds.

We fill in the third word blank all the time with automatic and subconscious nouns and adjectives, but we seldom stop to question whether we've gotten our third words right.

Here are some third words I hear all the time, both from my mouth and my mind: Unqualified. Stupid. Strong. Driven. Screwed-up. Loyal. Stuck. Hurting. Overwhelmed. Blessed. Capable. Disappointed. Broken. Hopeful. Jaded. Content.

Which of those do you identify with? Circle them mentally.

What word of your own would you write in?

How does all this compare with God's assessment of you?

These are enormous, confusing, and brave questions. And getting them right will take a lifetime. But I challenge you not to ignore them. Dig deeper into who God has called you to be, ask the tough questions, and allow God to define you. Give God the final say on your third word. Only there will you find your true self.