We were asked to write an essay called “This I Believe” about what really matters to us, as preparation for this world missionsadventure called the World Race. This is what I believe…
My identity is found in Jesus Christ.
Last September, I was headed to World Race Training Camp. Never could I have imagined, predicted or planned the journey God had for me. My journey did not lead me to launching into World Race in January as I had planned. Instead, I was launched into the depths of my soul. God took me to the core of who I was and began to establish my true identity.
For years, I have been asking the question, “Who am I?” always finding myself looking into the eyes of others to give me the answer. Once again, I was in that place asking AIM to tell me I was a missionary. In God’s infinite wisdom and AIM’s obedience, I was told I could not go in January.
Enough was enough.
“God, I am going to stop trying to earn your love. I am not doing anything to please you over Christmas break. I need to know if you will still love me.”
This was my only option. I had tried everything else. I had nothing left. I was at the end of myself.
For three weeks, I did nothing. No quiet times, no worship songs, no prayers. To my amazement God showed up day after day. Everywhere I went, I was reminded of His love for me. I saw it in my family, in the books I was reading, in the faces of old friends, in creation, in his provision. I could not escape Him. So many times, I was overwhelmed by God’s presence. As I sat on a hill next to my dad’s house, God gave me the image of sitting on his lap, with my head on his shoulder just breathing and being.
Accepted, Loved, Protected.
God did love me. He did not expect me to earn it. The price had already been paid.
When I showed up for Training Camp again this April, I had no idea how God was going to move. Again, he showed me “Who I am…” in Him. My identity was being revealed through the truth of his word. At one of our seminars, Ron Walborn put up a slide with all these scriptures affirming our identity in Christ. Afterwards, I cut them out and taped them into my journal. I speak them into my life often. I let the truth wash over me. With it, all the lies, half truths and fears get swept away.
Rejection
I am Accepted.
John 1:12 I am God’s child.
John 15:15 As a disciple, I am a friend of Jesus Christ.
Romans 5:1 I have been justified.
I Corinthians 6:17 I am united with the Lord, and I am one with Him in spirit.
I Corinthians 6:19-20 I have been bought with a price and I belong to God.
I Corinthians 12:27 I am a member of Christ’s body.
Ephesians 1:3-8 I have been chosen by God and adopted as his child.
Colossians 1:13-14 I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins.
Colossians 2:9-10 I am complete in Christ.
Hebrews 4:14-16 I have direct access to the throne of grace through Jesus Christ.
Insecure
I am Secure.
Romans 8:1-2 I am free from condemnation.
Romans 8:28 I am assured that God works for my good in all circumstances.
Romans 8:31-39 I am free from any condemnation brought against me and I cannot be separated from the love of God.
2 Corinthians 1:21-22 I have been established anointed and sealed by God.
Colossians 3:1-4 I am hidden with Christ in God.
Philippians 1:6 I am confident that God will complete the good work He started in me.
Philippians 3:20 I am a citizen of heaven.
2 Timothy 1:7 I have not been given a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind.
I John 5:18 I am born of God the evil one cannot touch me.
Not Good Enough
I am significant.
John 15:5 I am a branch of Jesus Christ, the true vine, and a channel of His life.
John 15:6 I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit.
I Corinthians 3:16 I am God’s temple.
2 Corinthians 5:17-21 I am a minister of reconciliation for God.
Ephesians 2:6 I am seated with Jesus Christ in the heavenly realm.
Ephesians 2:10 I am God’s workmanship.
Ephesians 3:12 I may approach God with freedom and confidence.
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.
From Victory over Darkness by Neil Anderson
How incredible! All these things God spoke for me. Better yet, He spoke them for you too. God has been doing a great work in me to redeem all the devastation in my life. For those who know me, “What devastation?” is probably the question on your mind? The devastation of living in chains to lies, hurt, coping mechanisms, religion, idols and pride. Added up all these things are just as devastating as hurricanes, tsunamis and earthquakes. Others rarely see it because the aftermath is internal and easier to hide than expose. The only one who truly sees the depth of our devastation is God. He knows each cut and wound, small or large. He stands ready to bring redemption and relief to our devastation and hurt.
Jesus came so that we may have life abundant. He became our redemption. He knows what devastation needs healing. He stands ready; just waiting for the moment we risk trusting him. Believe that he wants to heal you. Believe that he will heal you. Believe that you can trust him. Believe and he will show himself faithful.
Pray a simple prayer today offering God your heart.
Ezekiel 36:25-27
“I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from al your impurities and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.”
