My husband calls me Dear or Barbara. My children call me Mom. Most of my grandchildren call me Grammy, but some call me Granny. My siblings call me Barbara, though a couple of them call me Barbara Lynn. My nieces and nephews call me Barbara, and a few call me Aunt Barbara. Church folks call me Barbara, Sister Barbara, Pastor Barbara, or Minister Barbara.

I could go on and on with the various names to which I answer. What I am called is totally based on the relationship I have with the person.

“When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” So, they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”  – Matthew 16:13-16 NKJV.

When Jesus asked the disciples a question about His identity, His disciples began to repeat what others had said about the identity of Jesus. When He specifically asked His disciples about His identity, I wonder if they were pondering how to answer the question. Finally, Simon Peter spoke up, “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.”

That was a bold proclamation by Peter. At the time this conversation took place, it could be dangerous to call Jesus the Christ, especially in the context of the Roman Empire. Declaring “Jesus is Lord” was considered treasonous because it was a direct challenge to the authority of Caesar, who was also proclaimed as “Lord”. This confession could be a death sentence, and the willingness to say it signaled a profound level of commitment to faith in Jesus Christ.

In present times in many countries, it can be a death sentence to profess who Jesus is. I support the ministry Voice of the Martyrs, and the stories are quite sobering. So many lose their lives or suffer torture because they dare to say who Jesus is. While not to death sentence level in the USA, increased pressure is being felt to stand up for the real Jesus and the true Word of God.

The question asked by Jesus is quite profound. It is a question that begs all Christians to answer. People believe all kinds of things about Jesus and God. He was a great teacher. He was a prophet. He lived an exemplary life. He was caring. All of those are true, but none answer the question.

Jesus faces us with this same question even today. “Who do you say that I am?” Jesus is not so much interested in how people of the world answer this. He is interested in how His followers answer. The disciples stood there seeing Jesus in the flesh. Who is this hard-working Man, dusty from travelling, tired from hours of teaching and healing, who speaks the words of God? This Man, beaten and humiliated, who would die hanging naked on a cross? This Man, buried in a borrowed tomb? This Man, risen from the dead, never to die again—full of joy and promising everlasting life to everyone who trusts in Him? Who is He?

How do I answer the question that Jesus asked? You are my Lord and Savior. You are the One who forgives all of my sins. I was lost and on the way to hell, unable to save myself, and You paid the price for my sin. You are the One I can trust in times of trouble. You are the Son of God. You are Lord, the One who rules the universe at God the Father’s right hand. You are the One who is my hope and my joy even in the darkness. You are the One who will never leave me and never forsake me. You are my healer! You are my Lord. You are Jesus, my soon coming King. You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God!

That’s my answer, and I am sticking to it!!

Who do you say that He is? This is the most critical question you will ever answer because your eternal destiny hinges on it.

“Jesus, give us the courage today to say that you are the Lord and Savior and to show in our lives that we believe it.”  Amen.

What a weekend we just had! Our son, his wife, and three of their daughters were here all weekend. It was a houseful, and it was never-ending activity. It reminded me that there truly is a reason that God gives babies to us when we are young. No lie!

As our family headed back to Louisiana, Gaylon and I scurried for several hours doing laundry, cleaning, and getting our house back to normal. When we were done, we plopped in exhaustion. But not once did we regret serving our family. Gaylon said to me, “I am so glad they came to visit.”

Let me give you a few truths:

1. It was worth every minute to serve our family, and to build memories with those grandchildren. I took one granddaughter out on a solo date for lunch and a little shopping. She was so happy. To hear the joy in her voice and to have her talk incessantly with me was worth every minute. She said, “I had the best time with you.”
2. Gaylon was able to attend a football game with his sons and grandsons. Their ages ranged from nine to seventy-seven. They all celebrated the big win together with big smiles. That time together will always be remembered.
3. Other than Jesus, the most important relationships we can have are those with family. As much as you can, hang out with those you love. Leave a legacy of wonderful memories with them. (I realize there are times and circumstances that inhibit familial relationships, but, when possible, go overboard to be with family.)
4. As I fell into my chair, I smiled internally, remembering Acts 20:35, “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”

Jesus was the epitome of servanthood. He was the Son of God, yet He said that He did not come to be served but to serve. The statement can be found Matthew 20:28. Jesus made this statement to his disciples, who were arguing about who would be the greatest among them. He explained that the way of God’s kingdom is opposite to the way of worldly power; instead of lording over others, one must be a servant to be great. 

Mother Teresa, one of the greatest servants of all time, once said, “We cannot do great things on this earth, only small things with great love.” God is not asking us to change the world, but to help change someone’s world. We can do this by serving the person that He has put in front of us this moment…and then the next…and then the next.

Find someone to bless this week. Take a meal to someone. Invite a senior citizen to coffee or lunch. Write a note, not a text, an actual note to encourage someone. Offer to babysit for a single parent to allow them an evening out. Volunteer at a school. Find a way to bless your local church. Offer a listening ear.

We may never know the impact of our service to God in this life, but we can trust His Word when He says in 1 Corinthians 15:58, “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”

Living a life of service is not always easy, but it is deeply rewarding. By serving others, we can make a difference in their lives and bring hope and light to a world that often feels dark and hopeless.

Are you willing to be a servant? We are never more Christ-like than when we serve.

Last night, two of our grandsons spent the night with us. Of course, they awakened ready to play video games and have breakfast from Grammy’s kitchen, where she fixes what their hearts desire. After breakfast, they truly come to life. Chatter, laughter, and silly fun.

Luke and Judah were standing in front of our Alexa echo. They love to ask her so many questions, some silly, some informational. Alexa would often say, “Hello, Luke.” She says that to Luke, Judah, and me.

When Luke visited one day, he somehow got Alexa to remember who he was and his voice. Judah’s voice sounds similar, so when he talks to Alexa, she will call him Luke. That does not set well with the five-year-old.

With a sad face, Judah came to me and said, “Hey, Grammy. Alexa just called me Luke. I don’t want to be Judah anymore. I want to change my name to Luke.” I explained that I could not change his name. He said, “Can my mom change my name?”

Judah had a flare-up of a disease called “comparison-itis.” I wish I could be Luke. I want what Luke has. Things would be better if I were like Luke.

Comparison is a killer! Comparison-itis can be a chronic, debilitating disease. It goes into remission when we are happy, when we are stroked by others, or when all is going well. All too often, the moment something does not go the way we want it to go, it flares up.

Can I tell you a little secret? I spent way too much of my life living with comparison-itis. Every time I let myself get infected with this spirit-killing disease, it would take the joy right out of my life. If only I could teach the Bible like her. If only I was as slim as she is. If only I had a house as nice as hers. If only I was as highly educated as she is. If I could just be the kind of mother she is.

Yes, I have struggled with every one of the things I listed above, and quite a few others. It would often cause me to head to comparison prison and often in solitary confinement. After all, what did I really have to offer?

I remember going to God and telling Him why I could not continue ministry from a platform. Surely, He had missed it when He called me, or maybe I even missed what I heard. As I wiped my tears and quieted myself before Him, it was as if He spoke audibly. “You are fearfully and wonderfully made. YOU – Barbara – YOU.” God did not try to convince me. He did not argue with me. He just stated His truth and His opinion.

The Bible has quite a bit to say about being happy with who God made us to be. One of the most freeing verses that I have found is, “Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else.” – Galatians 6:4 NLT. That verse just shouts, “FREEDOM.” This tells me that all God wants and asks is that I give my personal best to whatever He has called me to do. I can be secure and satisfied knowing that God is pleased with me, and I do not need to compare myself with anyone else. That is THE truth.

Years ago, comparison would kill so much joy in my life. I did not want to be around people because I was not thin enough. I did not want to speak at a large event with multiple speakers, because they were better at their gift than I was. I did not want to have people over because their house was much nicer than mine.

I went through too many periods where I hung out at the burning bush like Moses, so I could explain to God why I could not walk out my calling. “I am introverted. I am insecure. They will not even understand what I am saying in Maine or California with this deep southern accent. I am afraid to get up in front of people.”

David said it this way, “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful; I know that full well.” – Psalm 139:13-14. It is time to stop allowing comparison-itis to rob you. You are God’s workmanship, His masterpiece. Today is the day to know that full well.

Do flare-ups of comparison-itis try to find their way into my life? Yes. What is the best thing to do about it? Be me! If you feel yourself coming down with this disease, what is the best thing you can do about it? Be you! You are God’s masterpiece. Know that full well!

Eight‑year‑old Frank had looked forward for weeks to this particular Saturday because his father had promised to take him fishing if the weather was suitable. There had not been any rain for weeks and as Saturday approached, Frank was confident about the fishing trip. But, wouldn’t you know it, when Saturday morning dawned, it was raining heavily, and it appeared that it would continue all day.

 Frank wandered around the house, peering out the windows and grumbling more than a little. “Seems like the Lord would know that it would have been better to have the rain yesterday than today,” he complained to his father who was sitting by the fireplace enjoying a good book. His father tried to explain to Frank how badly the rain was needed, how it would make the flowers grow and bring much needed moisture to the farmers’ crops. But Frank was adamant. “It just isn’t right,” he said over and over.

Then, at about three o’clock, the rain stopped. Still time for some fishing, and quickly the gear was loaded, and they were off to the lake. Whether it was the rain or some other reason, the fish were biting hungrily and father and son returned with a full string of fine, big fish.

At supper, when some of the fish were ready, Frank’s mom asked him to say grace. Frank did‑‑and concluded his prayer by saying, “And, Lord, if I sounded grumpy earlier today it was because I couldn’t see far enough ahead.” 

No doubt much of our complaining is because we cannot see far enough ahead.

Today, I would like to talk about the One who knows the rest of your story.

My husband Gaylon was a pastor for thirty-three years and a chaplain for eighteen years. There was a period of time when Gaylon found himself with no pastorate, no open doors, and three children to feed. I thought, “Surely, this will end in a few days, and we will know exactly where we are going, and this test will be over.”

It did NOT end in a few days.

I remember one day as I was lying across my bed, I became engulfed in fear, anxiety, and even anger. “God, how could You allow this to continue? We serve You. How are we supposed to feed our children or pay the electric bill? You have forgotten us.”

Yep, that was my conversation with God. It was not my proudest moment in prayer. More complaining than prayer. My faith had totally been eaten up by fear and anger.

As I sobbed in my pillow, thinking of my children, I sensed God say, “They are my children, too.” I am so grateful for a God who can handle all my fears and anxieties when the ocean of life sends another wave to knock me down.

Thank God for the rest of the story!

While resting on my tear-stained pillow, the phone rang. On the other end of the line was a nationally known speaker who did not know me. She said that she was part of an advisory board of a church in Michigan. The church was without a pastor, and Gaylon’s name was given to her as a possibility of becoming their pastor.

To say I was shocked would be an understatement!

A couple of weeks later, Gaylon and I were on an airplane headed to Michigan. Without going into all the details, let me share the condensed version. It was a wonderful opportunity, and the church wanted Gaylon to become their pastor. After much prayer, we felt that was not where we were to go. Right after that the next step in our pastoral journey opened.

This is the power and the reach of the God we serve! A well-known minister, who does not even know us, calls and asks us to consider a church in Michigan. While ministering there, the church received an offering for us that paid our bills that were due. It was not our next place for pastoral work, but it was the place where God supplied our needs, and we were able to minister effectively to the church who was going through discouraging circumstances. God was doing something for us and something for that church.

Just a short amount of time passed until God opened our next door for ministry.

While I was faithless and angry, God was at work. Like Frank in the story above, I could not see far enough ahead. BUT GOD saw it all and was working all things together for my family and the family of God.

Beloved, we are always in the middle of our story. We yearn to know what is going to happen at the end of our stories. The waiting is not fun, and the middle of the story is often full of challenges, twists, and setbacks. Trusting God means trusting that while we cannot see the end from the beginning, He does.

What are you facing today that causes tears to fall and concern about the future? Please remember this: if we live on the earth, we are always in the middle of our story. As we allow the Lord to author the story with us, the rest of the story will be beautiful, not without challenge, but beautiful. Trust the heart and character of God who knows the rest of the story.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” – Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT; “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” – Psalm 20:7.