As humans our image of ourselves and others is so often based on external factors.
What will I be when I grow up?
Am I pretty enough, talented enough, smart enough?
Do people like me?
How many times through your life have you asked these questions of yourself or others? I’m not suggesting it is wrong to think about the external or to have goals and dreams about what we desire out of our lives.
The trouble comes when we base our self-image entirely on external factors, or allow others to form our identities for us. We may believe the lies that we aren’t enough unless…and this is exactly what the enemy wants us to do! He wants to make us feel broken down and defeated.
When we examine our lives by our own strengths and weaknesses the weaknesses will always outweigh the strengths. It can be easy to go down the rabbit hole of regret or self-deprecation and become trapped at a dead-end, face to face with the father of lies.
It is vital that we know who we are in Christ:
- Chosen of God, holy and dearly loved. (Col. 3:12; 1 Thessalonians 1:4)
- Rescued from the domain of Satan’s rule and transferred
to the kingdom of Christ. (Colossians 1:13) - Victorious through Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:57)
- Changed into the likeness of Christ. (2 Corinthians 3:18)
- Given exceedingly great and precious promises by God. (2 Peter 1:4)
If we stand on our identities in Christ, the wounds we have accumulated through life, whether physical or emotional will no longer keep us bound in the past, but rather be used as tools in the hands of our God. He will wipe out the lies we have believed for so long and fill us with love, truth, and hope for tomorrow. While it usually isn’t a dramatic, overnight change, if we allow Him, God will shape our present and future into something good. We will look back over months and years and see ourselves more and more the way God sees us, beautifully restored and useful.
The world around us seems to constantly be demanding that we prove ourselves by our external environments. As children of God we only need to declare who we are by standing on His promises and finding our identities in Him. As we do, God gives us the added blessing of learning how to use our past experiences, both good and bad, to walk alongside and encourage others who are struggling and help them find their true identity too.
The next time you hear the enemy say, “Who do you think you are”, remind him that you KNOW you are a child of God and you are no longer going to believe the lies that you are any less.
blessings and peace to you as you walk in confidence and hope today!
Paula
Paula Davis 