Reflection #1 on "The Man You Want Me To Be" by Phil Joel  [song lyrics]

• originally released by solidsounds.org, 05/26/2003
• author: Suzy C.
• scripture reference: Ephesians 2:10; Matthew 9:4; 2 Timothy 2:13, 24-25

	From the album "Bring It On" (2002) Read the song lyrics...

Jesus,
Make me the man that you want me to be.

Only God can make a man. That may seem obvious, but in this world of self-made men with self-help books about self-awareness and self-power, it may be forgotten by some.

Paul wrote:

"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them" (Ephesians 2:10 NASB).

We are God's own personal work. He knows each of us by name, He knows everything about us. He knows what we think and say. Jesus could tell what people were thinking:

"And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, 'Why are you thinking evil in your hearts?'" (Matthew 9:4 NASB).

God made you for a purpose. He made you special. He made you for Himself. He planned a life for you, a good life. Jesus came and died on a cross to give you an abundant life (John 10:10). And He is working to make you into the person He designed you to be. But we have to cooperate with Him.

"And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those who oppose themselves" (2 Timothy 2:24-25 KJV).

We can actually oppose the work of God in us. We do this when we resist His Spirit as He leads and guides us. We oppose Him when we fail to do the things we read in His Word. But yet God never gives up on us.

"If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself" (2 Timothy 2:13 NASB).

He remains faithful. He will fulfill His promises and He will make us into the men and women He wants us to be. Go to Him today in prayer and in His Word. Listen for His leading in the everyday things of life. Make the adjustments you need in order to be more like Him. Believe me, He knows what He is doing. If you will follow His lead, you will find that the man (or woman) He wants you to be, is the one with whom you will be happiest.

--Suzy C.

Scripture Reference: Ephesians 2:10; Matthew 9:4; 2 Timothy 2:13, 24-25