God, Who Am I?

 
Staring in the mirror, my 14-year-old eyes spoke the question of my soul: Who am I? I really wanted to know. Knowing one's true identity is crucial in finding contentment for anyone, no matter her age. But, identity is especially important to a gangly eighth-grader; a highly sensitive, gangly eighth-grader.

Was I "spacey" like the mean girls said? No. I wasn't spacey. My name regularly appeared on the honor roll, disproving their moniker for me.

Insecure, yes. Spacey, no.

Later that year, when my dad spent more than a month in the psych ward and his diagnosis of manic-depression darkened my thoughts, I feared that I too might be or might become mentally ill. Like father, like daughter? Did his problem determine my identity?

No.

Anxious, yes. A manic-depressive (now known as bi-polar illness), no.

Even later that horrible year, a boy molested me several times. Was my identity now "victim"?

For a long time, yes. I saw myself as an insecure, anxious victim who fought hard to find the acceptance that eluded me. I tried and tried and tried to make people like me. My happiness depended on what others thought of me and how they treated me.

I wish I knew then what I know now: my identity -- and yours too -- is in Christ. What matters most is who God says I am. His assessment of me is accurate. Mine is often distorted like the wavy mirrors in a carnival's fun house.

Many women in churches today also live with a distorted image of who they are. Why? I can name at least three reasons:

1. Ignorance.

2. Poor teaching.

3. Unbelief.

These three jumble like a ball of knotted yarn. Let's take a look.

Ignorance means "lacking knowledge." Chances are a Christian woman lacks knowledge due to poor teaching. She simply hasn't been instructed by a parent, a pastor or another godly leader who she truly is in Christ.

Sometimes those to whom God entrusted you to spouted wrong ideas. Here's an example: "You need to read your Bible daily for God to bless you." Have you heard a pastor or Sunday school teacher say something along these lines? Probably.

Yet, it's false. This is what the Bible says: "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ" (Eph. 1:3, NIV). Notice that the verb blessed is in past tense. You are blessed now, sweet friend. You don't have to do anything to get God's blessing. It's already yours.

This brings us to unbelief. Unbelief is choosing to not believe God. Here's what it sound like in our thinking: "Did God really say he loves me. If he loves me, he'd give me more blessings." Can you pick up the slithering unbelief in this statement?

"Did God really say" He loves you? Yes. (John 3:16 and many other verses.)

"Did God really say" you are forgiven? Yes. (Ephesians 1:7 and many other verses.)

"Did God really say" you are gifted with power, love, and a sound mind? Yes. (1 Tim. 1:7)

The beautiful truth is you are who God says you are. Choose to believe him. Share these truths with the hurting Christian women God sends your way. They need to hear the truth too.

There are more. If you'd like the long list of who you are in Christ, please send me a message with the words "Who I Am in Christ" in the subject line.

You are a new creation. (2 Cor. 5:17)

You are complete. (Col. 2:9,10) 

You are secure. (Rom. 8:31-39)

You are God's workmanship. (Eph. 2:10)

You are God's treasure. (1 Pet. 2:9,10)

Father, thank you for reminding us who we are in Christ. We did not earn this wonderful identity. It has nothing to do with how hard we work, how well we minister, or anything about earning your love. You've chosen to love us. This is amazing. Thank you that when you look at us you see true beauty that comes from your Son, our Savior. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.