Recently, I went through a challenging season. I felt as though I wasn’t connecting with God and hearing from Him. During that time, I was studying the book of John and the I AM statements that Jesus made.
I was reminded as I studied to rely on who He says He is and not on my feelings or emotions. Here is what God laid on my heart. It brought me enormous comfort and peace — and I hope it does the same for you today.
I AM ...
THE BREAD OF LIFE — JOHN 6:35
When you feel hungry for me. When you are parched and dry in a dusty and barren season. I am the bread that sustains you and rivers of living water flow from me. Keep coming to ME and not to this world — for ALL that you need.
THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD — JOHN 8:12
When your little part of the world has been plunged into darkness — do not fear — because my light is still there. It still burns brightly even during the times when you can’t really see it clearly. Stay focused on the small area of light that you can see. Rejoice in the glimpses of light and the rays that break through. No matter how dim it might appear — follow after My light and I will lead you.
THE GATE FOR THE SHEEP — JOHN 10:7
THE GOOD SHEPHERD — JOHN 10:11
When you don’t know what direction to go and you are scared, I am your protector. I pen you in on all sides, and I see you. I won’t allow you to wander too far away from me. When you feel lost, I will relentlessly pursue you. I will gently pick you up and wrap you in my arms to carry you safely home. You are always in my care.
THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE — JOHN 11:25
THE WAY AND THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE — JOHN 14:6
When doubts cross into your mind and worm their way into your heart, you need not bow down to those false thoughts or lies from the enemy. The truth of who I am and what I have done for you — the sacrifice I paid for you — will stand the test of time and any challenge. When you falter in your steps, when wrong ideas compete for your attention, when things you thought were solid begin to crumble, remember that I am your rock and your foundation and my truth will stand until the end of time. I will never change on you. You can rely on me. My path is straight and it leads to life — abundant and true.
THE TRUE VINE — JOHN 15:1
You are a part of Me. Without Me you can do nothing. Sometimes pruning is painful and hard but you will always remain attached to Me. As you grow, I will shape you and mold you into something of beauty. When you bear fruit it is because of the life that passes through Me (the vine) and into you. Even when you feel disconnected, you are not. Stay gripped tightly to me. Open yourself and allow Me to fill you. When I see you producing fruit, it makes Me proud that you belong to Me.
When you’ve “got nothing,” I AM Everything
When you “feel empty,” I AM the fullness of life
When your “season is barren,” I AM the rain in the desert
When you “don’t know what to say,” just remind yourself and those around you of WHO I AM.