I Am . . .

May 30, 2019

. . . and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power. Colossians 2:10

If I made a list of the top three people I personally know well who have been able to be an underdog David and slay Goliaths of fear and intimidation, Lead Pastor Dwight Mason would definitely make the list. He is my brother and I know him well. I know that he had a physical disability that was supposed to gradually destroy his ability to walk and run. I know that he stuttered badly and had a hard time speaking publicly. I know that he had all the ingredients for a crippling sense of fear and inadequacy. But he surrendered everything to Jesus at a very young age and committed to know and believe everything Jesus said about him.

Dwight became a way better than average basketball player. His number is retired at his college alma mater. Even more importantly, he overcame his fear of public speaking (right after dying, as the number two fear of people), his fear of conflict and rejection, and stepped into an amazing life. Well, when I say he overcame it, it’s more accurate to say he daily overcomes it. Dwight talks regularly with intimidating people, asks people to give amazing amounts of money to the mission, walks into settings of heartbreak and challenge to bring peace and hope. How does he do that?

One way: the exact same way you and I can face our fears and disabilities. He deliberately and daily reminds himself of who he is in Christ. He reminds himself of who God says he is, and it changes his perspective. He reads “Who I Am in Christ,” a collected list of scriptural affirmations. On numerous occasions I have called him and asked what he is doing. He will be in a waiting room or outer office, waiting for an intimidating encounter. His reply is, “Oh, just sitting here reminding myself of who I am.”

Who are YOU? Well, God says you are accepted. You are loved. You are valued. You are forgiven. You are complete in Him. You have and are everything you need. He makes certain of it. How would your day change if you knew that?

• Make a card for yourself with a list of what God says about you. Put it in the places where you struggle with fear. Commit to read it aloud daily. YOU ARE COMPLETE IN HIM.
• Carry your card with you and take it to conflict situations. Let your completeness make you courageous.
• Steven Furtick says, “Anxiety and cellulite are just alike. You can't pray either one of them away. They both have to do with intake.” Truth. Fill your mind with the right stuff. You are complete in Him.