The Power in Knowing Your God-given Identity

Do you know your God-given identity? No, I mean do you truly know? If you had asked me this question back in college or even 7 years ago, I knew exactly who I was…so I thought. If I had described myself to you, I would have described myself as a fearful perfectionist.
I prided myself for needing to have everything absolutely perfect, and when it wasn’t, my anxiety level would rise. And the best part about it, I attributed me knowing all of this about myself as being “self-aware.” 

In 2012 when we moved overseas, I entered into a season of prayer and fasting, asking the Lord to reveal to me my purpose. I thought I knew, but after no support or encouragement, I dismissed what I knew I heard the Lord speak to my heart. So, I had spent many years running from my God-given purpose.

I wanted to do everything “my way” and had somehow rationalized it as God’s plan for my life.

I continued to seek God for confirmation of my purpose until I ended up in the hospital for
3 days “wrestling with the Holy Spirit” to release me from my “Purpose.” I know that sounds ridiculous, but it’s true. That’s what a Sticker and Restless Saboteur will do. Trust me, it would have been easier to be an obedient servant

The voices and thoughts were so loud in my mind that I was certain God himself was standing in the room. I knew I had a calling to serve as a woman in ministry, but it didn’t fit the “look” of the traditional minister.

I had allowed my identity to be lost in that of my spouse and Pastor, and what it looked like at our very traditional Church. This led to not living in my God-given identity. This was during a time that women leaders in ministry was not recognized or accepted.

Then I heard, “Will you serve Me or the god of self-pity ~ you don’t know who you are”
I responded, “I do know who I am! I’m your daughter.” And He quickly replied, “Well, why don’t you follow my instructions? I don’t call my daughters’ to be anxious, perfectionists or fearful. And I’ve called you to preach my word. Well, that shut me up!

I was experiencing identity theft because I was choosing to believe the lies of the Enemy. You see, He comes to still, kill, and destroy our identity too. I believe that destroying our identity is actually his starting point. He plants lies in our head about our identity that are contrary to the Word of God. 

“You’re not good enough.” 

“You’re not qualified. You’ll never be accepted.”

 “You can’t change. That’s just how you are.” 

Today when I look in the mirror, I am reminded of discovering my identity in Christ.

I may be a woman, but I’m a woman that knows her God-given identity and strive to help other women leaders in ministry walk out their calling boldly and confidently.

Let’s talk about the power of knowing your identity in Christ.

Knowing Your Identity in Christ gives you Confidence, Self-esteem, and Self-awareness

He created me in His Image, so why was I allowing others to control me?

Healthy self-esteem doesn’t come from prominence; it comes from being who we are designed to be. God Loves Me and I am created in His image. 

His love is everlasting – never-ending – Infinite.

Infinity is defined as “unending”, a space, extent of time or quantity that has no limit. That’s a very long time.

You were created in His Image~ Genesis 1:27 …created in the image of God

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made your works are wonderful,  I know that full well.” Psalms 139:14

 God loves me to Infinity and He loves you to Infinity!!

Jeremiah 31:3, “Long ago the LORD said to Israel: “I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love, I have drawn you to myself.”

 Psalms 103:17 says, “But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children. “ 

If you knew that your body was a temple (1 Corinthians 6:19), maybe that would influence how you treat it. What if you were aware that you were royalty (1 Peter 2:9)?  Would you then start boldly reigning with God as His daughter? What would happen and what would you do if knew that your identity was based on how God views you? 

Knowing Your God-given Identity produces faith.

When you know that God validates you, you’re no longer worried about your performance. You know that you’re already equipped to do what God is calling you to do (2 Corinthians 5:20), and you have faith that He will do the work through you. Gone are the days what other people think, or even what you think about yourself. Your faith and hope are no longer based on yourself or others, but God. Friend, be FREE of people-pleasing.

Your Life is Hidden in Christ

Apart from Christ, you can’t do anything. You need Him. “For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:3

When you feel overwhelmed or discouraged about who you are, speak life and truth into your life. Remember, 2 Corinthians 5:17 ~ “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold all things have become new. “

1. John 1:12 ~ “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”
2. Romans 8:28 ~ “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
3. Ephesians 1:17 ~ “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.
4. John 15:16 ~ “You did not choose me, but I choose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit – fruit that will last and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you”
5. Romans 8:37 ~ “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”

The Benefits to Knowing Your Identity in Christ

Knowing your God-given identity puts you in a better position to understand your purpose. Until you know who and whose you are, you’re going to have a hard time fully understanding why He created you: you’re going to have a hard time understanding your purpose.

Your identity and your purpose go hand in hand. Your identity is comprised of your gifts, talents, education, passions, upbringing, and so much more. All of these factors serve as supporting roles and tools in your purpose. Knowing your God-given identity helps you better understand how they all fit together and what role they will play in your purpose and assignment.  

Pleasing God and being obedient to the call of serving Him with a whole heart is more valuable than pleasing people. At the heart of what it means to be a Christian is to receive your new identity in Christ.

In Jesus, we do not lose our true selves, but we become our true selves.

Begin to memorize scripture that speaks over your life. They will make all the difference in your view of yourself and your relationship with Christ

Learn more about your God-given Personality by taking the Christian DISC Personality Test If you’re ready to get started on walking in your purpose, let’s get on DISCOVERY CALL and determine if working together would benefit you.