Identity Crisis

           We all find our identity somewhere.

            It could be found in our academia, friends, family, money, job, clothes, self, or even the media, but wherever you find your identity, if it’s not in Christ, you’re probably believing a lie—actually, let me rephrase that: you are believing a lie.

            Recently, I realized how I’ve fallen for the wrong identity. Being the people pleaser that I am, I discovered that I find my identity in what others say about me and what others believe about me. Through this belief, I’ve become crippled and at a loss for who I am. Am I this, that, or that? It was all so confusing, but then, God intervened and righted this wrong way of thinking.

            Here is who God reminded me that I am:

            I am loved (John 3:16)

            I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139: 13-16).

            I am fully known and yet, fully loved (Psalm 139).

            I am chosen (1 Peter 2:9).

            I am fully forgiven and therefore, can do nothing to sever my relationship with my Savior (Colossians 2:13-14).

            I am a child of God, a daughter of the King (John 1:12-13).

            I am a friend of God (John 15:15).

            I am set free from sin (Romans 6:18).

            I am a new creation and don’t have to worry or feel guilty about my past (2 Corinthians 5:17).

            I am Christ’s ambassador; He chose to use me to spread His name (2 Corinthians 5:20).

            I am His beloved and bride (Isaiah 62:3-4).

            It is refreshing to know my identity is not found in what others think about me but in what God knows about me. I am God’s creation and therefore, He knows me; He knows you.

            Today, remember where your identity comes from. Those verses are just a few examples of who we are in Christ. I encourage you to read for yourself.

            Remember: you are loved, counted worthy, a child of God, and a beautiful creation. You do not have to be perfect or successful or anything else because you are already God’s.

            Listen to Him. He calls you beloved. He calls you His own.

            Living Life Together,

Rebecca Thomas

For Days You Need Encouragement

           Today, I just wanted to share with you some scripture that tells us about our Father and what He does for us and who He is. The other week I came across a post on Pinterest with many of the verses listed below. Whenever you’re down, remember who God is and what He does for you.

            My Father. . .

1.    Loves me: “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son that whosoever believes in Him, shall not perish but have everlasting life.” –John 3:16

2.      Cares for me: “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” –Matthew 6:26

3.      Forgives me: “As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” –Psalm 103:12

4.      Is giving:  “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” –Romans 8:32

5.      Satisfies: “for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.” –Psalm 107:9

6.      Persistently pursues me: “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” –Luke 19:10

7.      Gives me wisdom: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” –James 1:5

8.      Carries my burdens: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you WILL find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."—Matthew 11:28-30

9.      Gives me peace: "You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You." –Isaiah 26:3

      10.  Fights for me: “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” –Exodus 14:14

11.   Heals and forgives me: “But he was pierced for our transgressions he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” –Isaiah 53:5

12.    Knows me completely: You have searched me, Lord and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely.” –Psalm 139: 1-4

Today, I hope you remember that God loves you and is constantly with you, protecting you, offering forgiveness, love, peace, wisdom, and strength.

Living Life Together,

Rebecca Thomas