Who Are You, Lord?

Posted bymusingsofmanettekayPosted inDevotional, PrayerTags:, , , , , , , ,

The title question is the first recorded prayer of Saul more commonly referred to as Paul after his encounter with Jesus. Have you ever wrestled with the question, “Who are you, Lord?” I mean really pondered it or even asked God as Saul did.

At a glance, it’s a simple prayer of four little words. Yet receiving an answer to the question from God Almighty is far from simple, it is extraordinary—life changing. Saul was struck blind, physically blind, and did not eat or drink for three days following this unexpected meeting with the Lord. Even those with Saul were greatly impacted by the event.

Saul was on his way to Damascus with letters in hand giving him the authority to arrest any followers of Jesus. He saw them as trouble for the Jews.

“As he traveled and was nearing Damascus, a light from heaven suddenly flashed around him. Falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’

‘Who are you, Lord?’ Saul said.

‘I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting,’ he replied. ‘But get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.’

The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the sound but seeing no one. Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing. So they took him by the hand and led him into Damascus. He was unable to see for three days and did not eat or drink” (Acts 9:3-9, CSB).

Years ago, I began to routinely beseech God with Saul’s question. As God answers, I find he unsettles everything I thought I knew. God does and will answer this prayer coming from a sincere heart. I wish I could tell you the answer. But I’m humbled and grateful that I cannot. How small would God be if I or any of his creation could easily define him with eloquent words?

Rather, I can tell you the more God reveals himself to me, the more awestruck I am that he made me, loves me, forgives me, and desires an intimate relationship with me. The God who created, spoke everything into existence, longs to have a devoted, personal connection with his creation but gives us free will to choose him. That is amazing and incomprehensible!

Is it any wonder the numerous poems, song lyrics, essays, blogs and books written by people who are transformed by the Living God? Has the Lord transformed you? Please share a life-changing encounter you have had with the Creator.

Prayer
Dear Father God, give me a faithful heart to serve well, like Joseph, despite any dire circumstances that may occur. Fill me with unwavering trust, like Job, to praise you and accept what is permitted to touch my life. Make me as loyal to follow you, Lord, as Ruth was to Naomi. Cause me to be vigilant in prayer, like Daniel, in every situation. Make me as compassionate and loving, as Hosea. And make me willing to bear my cross, as Jesus did for me. Amen.

Author Bio
I am a follower of Jesus Christ, grandmother, great-grandmother, foster care parent, and trauma survivor. I enjoy sipping tea, writing devotionals, prayers, short stories, and unburdening my heart to the Lord. Check the About page if you want to read more of my story.

Would you like to know more about the afterlife and how you can be assured of eternity in Heaven? Check the Questions page.

Check the Free Gifts page for downloadable/printable study guides and resources.

Copyright © 2020-2023 Musings of Manette Kay™ All rights reserved. Requests to the author and publisher, Manette Kay, for permission.

Image Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

Published by musingsofmanettekay

Sharing bits of memoir in the format of devotionals, prayers, short stories, and occasionally a poem.

14 thoughts on “Who Are You, Lord?”

    1. I think, being “busy” is one of the craftiest tools of the enemy. Our busyness distracts us. It is so subtle and decietfully strokes our conscience as being an acceptable sin.

      Thanks for sharing Mary Cates.

      Liked by 2 people

  2. It is a good question to ask but it takes great courage to listen for, and heed, His response. Like all people He is a multi-faceted being who, as we mature in faith, appears to us differently.

    When I was young in faith He introduced Himself as a kind friend who pulled me from certain death. I was at a Christian rock music festival and when I heard His voice coming through the singer I surrendered my being to Him. As I grew, stunted by my own trauma, I kept asking Him to show me what love was. At first it was tender and soft but then, as I grew in faith, He became more firm, calling me to act out the faith I proclaimed.

    When I and my family were ready, He led us across the country so we could be alone. There He came to us more like a Father training His child. When the storms broke into our lives and we were tossed about like a cork on the sea, we had to see Him as a solid rock, a trustworthy port, that sheltered us from greater harm and preserved our lives.

    Now, He comes to us, now that we have matured in faith, more intimate than before. He shows Himself as our Groom, wanting the intimacy and affection only the married can give to each other.

    Who are you Lord, are the words that launch the ship of our lives into the sea of the unknown. When we ask that question, and are prepared to act in response as Paul did, then He will teach and train us who He is and just what being Lord means to us. It is a wonderful, exciting, journey of the heart, soul and spirit.

    Liked by 1 person

  4. He certainly is not like onion peeling. I believe He shows Himself in His various attributes from minute one of our lives. As for the “Who” question, in scale we will not fully know until we face Him outside of this earth-suit we use as a tent. Thank you, Manette for bringing this subject up. God’s grip – Alan

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I absolutely agree we will not fully know him until our face-to-face relations the other side of heaven. But during our transitional time, I think we can progressively get to know who God is, as you say, through His attributes. Similar to the way we can get to know any particular human on an ever deepening level by time we spend with them, conversing with them, and sharing life with them. Most could acknowledge they know their spouse in a deeper way at five years than their first date, at 20 years than their wedding day, at 40 years, etc. The relationship continues to grow in depth of intamcy and understanding.

      Liked by 2 people

  7. As I read your thoughtful post I was reminded of one encounter I had many years ago in response to a similar prayer I had offered. He answered me with a very vivid dream of being closely in His presence. This dream has stayed with me over the years, I am frequently reminded of it.
    Thank you for this post Manette, God bless you sister.

    Liked by 1 person

Comments are closed.

%d bloggers like this: