God said to Moses, “I am who I am.” Exodus 3:14
A few years back I started making a list of the ways that I experience God. It is an inadequate list, and sometimes lacking in clarity. I’m not always certain what I was thinking, and reflecting on as I wrote the description down.
Some days God is a challenger asking me to stretch and grow. Other days, I just find God challenging. One day grace comes in that unexpected moment of clarity, or as a moment when one knows they are surrounded by unexpected love or sheer grace.
I’ve always liked the alternative translation of Exodus 3:14, where God’s answer to Moses question, of what God it was sending him to the Israelites, is “I will be who I will be.” The God who “Will be who God wills to be,” cannot be locked into a box of our limited understanding, but is ready to surprise us in the most unlikely moments.
God Is:
The-Great-I-Am
Love
Grace Graceful Forgiving Giving My-Strength
Heartfelt Challenger Challenging
Mystery
Hidden-But-Present Awesome Awe-Inspiring
Light
Goodness Mercy Merciful Desires-Salvation
Friend Leader Wisdom Troubling
Justice-Lover Source-of-Hope Promise Gentle
Prodder Lord Savior Sensitive
Gracious Patient Holy Wholly-Other
Whisperer Unexpected-Love Deliverer
Relentless-Love Reassuring-Presence
In-Jesus-Prince-of-Peace
Reconciler Purpose-Giver Source-of-Blessing
Strengthener Healer-of-Wounds Hope-Filler
Giver-of-Hope
Sneaky Yearner Persistent-Giver-of-Call
Troubles-the-Waters-of-the-Heart
Interrupter-of-Certainty
Listener Last-Word Constant Present
Pursuer-of-Truth Peace-Giver
Dweller-in-the-heart Friend-of-Sinners
Lover-of-Lost-Souls
Faithful Whole Guardian-of-Souls
Shepherd Father Loves-with-a-Mother’s-love Parent
Pursuer-of-Justice Spirit Our-Calm Trustworthy
Sheer-Grace
Is their a description that resonates with you? What would you add?
Who is God to you?