The Power of “I Am”: The Words That Shape Your World

What if two small words held the key to transforming your life? 

In the Hebrew Bible, when Moses questions his ability to liberate his people and asks God, “Who shall I say sent me?” the reply is profound: “I AM who I AM. Tell them ‘I AM has sent me.’” This moment isn’t just theological—it’s metaphysical. It’s the reminder that the divine presence lives within us, and the words “I am” are a doorway to that power.

Yet, many of us unknowingly misuse that doorway. 

From a young age, we may begin to absorb and repeat limiting beliefs. A child gets a poor grade and thinks, “I am not smart.” A person gets passed over for a promotion and says, "I am incapable." A painful breakup becomes, “I am unlovable.” These phrases might seem small, but they plant seeds. Over time, they grow into the stories we tell ourselves—the story of lack, limitation, and not-enoughness.

I remember meeting a woman as a student minister in Kansas City. On the outside, she had everything going for her—intelligence, beauty, a loving family. But as we spoke, she revealed a deeper truth: she was unfulfilled and constantly compared herself to others. "I am unlucky," she said. "I am a slow learner. I am unattractive." Clearly, her life was shaped not by her circumstances, but by her “I am” statements.

Here’s the principle: What follows “I am” will eventually find you. Say "I am tired" enough times, and fatigue becomes your reality. Say, "I am always broke,” and lack continues to show up. The words we use don’t just describe our lives—they create them.

Proverbs 18:21 tells us, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” Every time we speak, especially when using the sacred words “I am,” we call forth our highest truth or reinforce our deepest fears. 

But here’s the good news: we can choose differently.

Instead of saying:

“I am not enough,” try, “I am a divine expression of love.”

“I am unlucky,” affirm, “I am favored and blessed.”

“I am a C student,” declare, “I am intelligent. I am a learner. I am excellent.”

Romans 4:17 says, “Call those things that are not as though they were.” In other words, speak the truth of who you really are—even if you don’t see it yet.

This isn't about denying facts or pretending life is always perfect. It's about aligning your inner dialogue with the divine reality that God is always for you. Even when life is hard, or you're stuck in traffic or facing doubt, ask yourself: What if God always supports me? What if I'm loved, appreciated, and recognized as a child of God?

Ask better questions, and you'll get better answers.

The world desperately desires inspired, love-centered people living from this truth. That's why I invite you to shift your "I am." Stop using it to reinforce your fears, and start using it to proclaim your faith.

Say to yourself:

• I am inspired.

• I am in love.

• I am in peace.

• I am abundance.

• I am joy.

• I am divine.

• I am in God.

Look at yourself in the mirror and declare: “I am in God.” Because you agree on that truth, it multiplies. That is the power of “I am.”

Peace and Blessings,

James