I've heard it said that when questions come, when doubts and fear and 'what if's' come, it's wise to ask: who said?

When thoughts come that go against what God has said. When people say things directly against what God has called you to or who God says you are, ask the question: who said?

And so, today, I did. I asked once again.

With all the thoughts and all the questions. All the things I've heard and wondered, I asked again: who said?

And this was God's reply:

Not Me, says the Lord.

I've already said who you are.

I've already declared what you're going to do. And I've already decreed what I'm going to do through you.

I've already called you by name. I've already set you apart.

I've already said you are a priest and minister in My house.

I've already said you are full of faith and full of wisdom.

I've already said you are a chain-breaker, a world-changer, a city on a hill, a lamp on a stand.

I've already said I'm sending you to the nations.

I've already said I will influence nations and generations through you.

What it looks like right now is beside the point.

Lift your gaze higher. Set your gaze higher!

I've already said. And because I've said, it is so.

Anything less is simply that. Less.

Less than who you are and less than who I Am.

I want to encourage us all today, in whatever circumstance you are in. However things look or however things feel, ask: who said?

Ask the Lord. Ask your Father, your Papa. Ask Him.

Ask Him: who said? And then listen for His reply.

Listen for who He says you are!

Listen for what He says He's going to do in and through you.

Ask and listen!

I guarantee it's going to be great! And I guarantee it's going to be worth it!

Hearing the voice of your Father always is!

But now, God’s Message, the God who made you in the first place, Jacob, the One who got you started, Israel: “Don’t be afraid, I’ve redeemed you. I’ve called your name. You’re mine. When you’re in over your head, I’ll be there with you. When you’re in rough waters, you will not go down. When you’re between a rock and a hard place, it won’t be a dead end— Because I am God, your personal God, The Holy of Israel, your Savior. Isaiah 43:1-3 MSG

Before I shaped you in the womb, I knew all about you. Before you saw the light of day, I had holy plans for you: A prophet to the nations— that’s what I had in mind for you. Jeremiah 1:5 MSG

I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with lovingkindness. Jeremiah 31:3

You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.   In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. Matthew 5:14-16 NLT