By Dr. Kathy Amos

BEFORE YOU ARE ANYTHING ELSE, YOU ARE HIS CHILD

When God Invites You to Stop Performing and Simply Be Yourself

This past weekend, I had the privilege of hosting the GLAM Girl Summit, a gathering designed to empower women to govern, lead, advance, and multiply in their God-given assignments. As the first speaker at Friday evening’s dinner, I stood before the audience with my message carefully prepared. But when I looked down at my notes, I sensed the Holy Spirit directing me to do something unexpected: “Don’t use your notes.”

There was no replacement message, no new outline, and no further instruction. I simply began speaking from my heart, sharing my personal journey, testimonies, challenges, and the wisdom God had developed in me over the years. Afterward, a young woman approached me and explained how deeply my experiences resonated with her own life. My willingness to be vulnerable had encouraged her.

Later that evening, I asked the Lord, “Why did You shift my message?” What I sensed Him speaking to my heart was profound: “I just want you to be My daughter.”

MORE THAN YOUR GIFTS AND ASSIGNMENTS

That revelation continued throughout the weekend. I had planned to wear my usual wig, but I sensed the Lord prompting me to wear my natural hair instead. By Sunday morning, I followed that prompting. What might appear insignificant to someone else became a personal reminder that I did not have to present a particular version of myself to be accepted or used by God.

The Lord reminded me of 2 Corinthians 12:9: “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.”

Although God has entrusted us with gifts, talents, abilities, and responsibilities, our identity must never become dependent upon our performance. His grace sustains us beyond our natural abilities.

CHILDREN FIRST, LEADERS SECOND

This revelation extends far beyond women in leadership. Men and women alike carry enormous responsibilities as business owners, executives, pastors, parents, spouses, educators, and community leaders. We become so accustomed to producing, providing, managing, and solving problems that we sometimes forget how to simply rest in our relationship with God.

Romans 8:15 reminds believers that we have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, “Abba, Father.” Through Jesus Christ, our relationship with God is not established by our accomplishments but by His grace.

God does not require us to abandon excellence, preparation, or responsibility. Rather, He invites us to recognize that our value is not measured by what we accomplish. We can lead faithfully without allowing our assignments to become our identity.

THE MARKETPLACE REVELATION

Sometimes the greatest expression of spiritual maturity is not demonstrating how much we can accomplish, but recognizing how completely we depend upon our heavenly Father.

My experience at the summit reminded me that authenticity can minister where polished presentations sometimes cannot. God used my testimony to reach someone who needed encouragement, and He used a simple act of obedience to remind me that I could be comfortable being the person He created me to be.

This week, ask yourself: Who am I when I am not leading, teaching, producing, providing, or performing?

Before you are a CEO, pastor, entrepreneur, husband, wife, parent, or community leader, remember that through faith in Jesus Christ, you are God’s child.

Your assignment describes what you have been entrusted to do. Your identity in Christ establishes who you are. Never confuse the two.

AN INVITATION TO THE GATHERING PLACE CHAPEL

If you desire a quiet place for personal prayer and reflection with the Lord, I invite you to visit The Gathering Place Chapel, located at 414 S. State Street, Suite 201, Jackson, MS 39201.

Text us at 601-594-2330 to schedule your appointment. Visit our website at turningpointfmi.com to learn more about our ministry.