Stolen Identity

This is kind of a picture story I got the other day when the Lord and I were talking so I hope it makes sense to you. First though, I want to share what the definition of identity is: Identity – “a condition or character as to who a person or what a thing is; the qualities, beliefs, etc., that distinguish or identify a person or thing.” Growing up, my identity was in; How I looked, what I wore, what makeup I had, what grades I got, how funny I was, how much attention I received, and what guys and others thought of me. This was what was on my I.D., I considered this to be my identity and worth.

I was holding my identity out like a mirror, admiring what I thought I looked like. On the outside I had it all together, I was doing great in school, I had tons of friends, I was working, and “following Jesus”. All of the sudden, there was a flash in front of me and my “mirror” was gone.

“Hey, wait, come back! That’s mine. You can’t take that.” I was freaking out and I didn’t know what to do. Should I go after this guy? Should I chase him down and retrieve what was mine? Still conflicted, I stood up and trudged after this unknown figure.
Bit by bit I started to see shrapnel on the ground. “My Identity!” I exclaimed. My heart dropped. My pace quickened. “Who does this guy think He is anyways?” “Stealing and destroying peoples identity’s like this.”As I continued I started to feel something in my heart break off. Something was happening, I felt an unbearable pain, numbness, and then I felt lighter. The darkness I had felt for years was gone. Then there was a large pain in my side. Not forgiving myself and beating myself up for choices I made years ago. I passed big and small pieces of my Identity, each step I took began plucking and chipping away at my body, heart, and soul. Greed, Lust, Lying, Cheating, Stealing, Adultery, What I looked like to others, acceptance, attention, it all started to hit the ground. Every sin I had ever known was being drilled out of me. Yet, I still didn’t understand what was happening. 

I began trying to pick up the pieces that were shredded in the ground. Each piece I tried to shove back onto myself only wounded me more and more. I cried out in anguish and confusion. The small shards of my old identity cut into my skin like glass. Built up anger, anxiety, depression, and chaos exploded inside of me.
I caught up to the figure who had stolen and broken up my identity, I grabbed his wrist and started yelling, screaming, and kicking. I was angry, why would someone just up and take who I thought I was? Who had the right to just take what I was clinging to? Yeah, I had asked God to change my heart, mind and soul to be more like Jesus but this was totally not how it was going to happen.

Then, I was whipped back to my senses. I saw kindness and compassion in the eyes of this person. I was stunned and silenced all at once. He looked into my eyes, right into the depths of my soul.

Immediately, I saw it was Jesus. My heart skipped a beat. I thought I knew Him, He wouldn’t just tear me apart like that. Tenderly, Jesus revealed that it had taken time. 18 years to be exact. He kept trying to get my attention but I never stopped to listen. He said He had to get my attention somehow. I stood still and listened, what happened next was almost indescribable. Word after word began to fly into my heart and stick to me. To counteract every lie I had ever believed about myself. Every thought that wasn’t true. Every hurt and pain I had inflicted or received. Words like beautiful, treasured, chosen, and loved began to cover my body like tattoos. I was overwhelmed by a love I had never felt before. I was swept over by a wave of redemption. Peace and Joy overflowed in my heart and soul. Chains I didn’t even know I had dropped and shattered at Jesus’s feet.

Jesus then said to me “Look, I make all things new.” He then held up a mirror, I didn’t recognize who was looking back at me. There was a woman, completely, wholly, and 100% in love with Jesus. She drew her strength from Him. Her Identity was in Him. She had no doubt in her mind that she was a daughter of the King. She was wise and knowledgeable. She was Beautiful and worth far more than any rubies or the most prized earthly possessions. Then I realized Jesus, though he had stolen my identity, had replaced who I was with who He is making me to be.

Yes, it hurts when He has to go in to rip off the bandage(s) and tear down the walls. Yes, it takes letting go and trusting He has something better. Yes, He has so much more in store if only we let Him in and let Him steal who we think we are. Cause Jesus stealing my identity was the best thing that ever happened to me.

Psalm 139:14 – I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
    your works are wonderful,
    I know that full well.

Psalm 45:10-17 – Listen, daughter, and pay careful attention:

Matthew 10:31 – 

So don’t be afraid; you are worth more then many sparrows.

Check out my teammates vlog on what we are doing for ministry the next two months. It’s so cool. 

Https://youtu.be/-J8nK5p6cM0

Prayer Requests:

Boldness to share the gospel with the people we meet on Pub Street.

Strength and Joy as we continue to clean and prepair the guest house. 

Vunerability and Community within your team.

Connections with the Lord and hearing His Spirit clearly.