Who Are You, God - And Who Am I?
I came across a short video on St. Francis of Assisi last week that resonated with me. It never ceases to amaze me when I hear others share a testimony that sounds similar to my own. My spiritual journey is, in many ways, similar to the path that countless brothers and sisters in Christ have walked throughout the ages. I bet yours is too.
We’ve all wrestled with our faith at some point, haven’t we?
That wrestling is meant to strengthen our faith in God.
I remember crying out to God with a sincere desire to know Him experientially. At that point in my walk, intellectual facts weren’t enough. I longed for a felt relationship with the Creator and Savior of the world. The Holy Spirit led me to two questions. I prayed and searched the Scriptures for the answers. Unbeknownst to me, those two questions were the same ones St. Francis often prayed: “Who are You, my God? And who am I?” This prayer completely shifted my life and set me on a passionate pursuit to know Jesus personally.
A Brief Story of St. Francis of Assisi
Francis was born into a family of wealth and influence. As a young man, he lived a lavish lifestyle. Then, after a mystical experience and a newfound compassion for the poor, he gave up his privileged life and renounced his inheritance in order to pursue a life in service of others. This eventually led to the formation of the Franciscan Order, which is known to this day for its service to the poor and marginalized, as well as its deep respect for creation.
St. Francis would often retreat into mountains and quiet places, praying Who are You, God, and who am I? as he wept and sought intimacy with God. It wasn’t more theology he was after, but a deep and personal relationship. The closer he drew to God, the more he realized his smallness, yet he also discovered the depth of God’s love for him.
Praying the Same Prayer Today
I wonder if we all prayed that prayer, not just once, but continually, day after day, how God might guide us into those good works He has already prepared for us.
What I've found—and what St. Francis knew—is that these two questions unveil the meaning of life. Knowing God and who He created each of us to be is everything. This is the very relationship Jesus is teaching us about when He tells us to abide. Experiencing the sacrificial love of Jesus for yourself and humanity is overwhelmingly humbling and profoundly motivating. This relationship of abiding and trusting God will always bear fruit that lasts.
Scripture Reflection
Psalm 8
John 15:4-5, 13
1 Corinthians 15:10
Ephesians 2:10
Joyfully Yours,
Krissy McKee
