Resting in the Identity God Gives You
In the confusing, ever-changing world we live in, it’s often difficult to maintain a sense of who we are. As Christians, the struggle isn't just about personal or professional identity; it's about holding fast to the identity that God has given us—a reality beautifully underscored by the story of Joseph in the Bible.
Identity in Christ: The Example of Joseph
As we’ve been studying through Joseph’s life, I’ve realized that it is a remarkable testimony to the idea of a God-given identity. He was betrayed by his brothers, threatened with death, sold into slavery, sexually assaulted, falsely accused, and wrongfully imprisoned. To say his life was traumatic would be an understatement. And yet Joseph never stopped trusting his God. In fact, his relationship with God only became more intimate as he faced each hardship in his life. Despite the relentless challenges, the core of Joseph’s strength lay in his unshakeable knowledge of who he was in God’s eyes.
Throughout every trial, Joseph remained grounded in his understanding that he was part of a larger divine plan. He declared to his brothers, "You planned evil against me; God planned it for good to bring about the present result—the survival of many people. (Genesis 50:20 CSB). His identity—rooted in his relationship with God—was his anchor.
Embracing Our Divine Identity
As individuals saved and called by God, understanding and resting in our divine identity can be transformative. Here are several ways we can be reminded of who we are in Christ:
1. Reading the Bible
The Scriptures are not merely historical records or moral guidelines; they are a mirror showing us our true selves. Through the lives of figures like Joseph, we see resilience, purpose, and divine placement. By regularly spending time in the Word, we allow God’s truth to redefine us, calling us back to our identity as His children.
“The foundation of all true knowledge of God must be a clear mental apprehension of His perfections as revealed in Scripture. An unknown God can neither be trusted, served, nor worshipped.”
2. Prayer
Prayer is a powerful tool in maintaining our spiritual identity. It is an intimate dialogue with God where we can express our doubts, fears, and identities. More importantly, in prayer, we are reminded of His eternal promises to us. Through honest prayer, we find the strength to embrace our God-given identity and align our actions with our divine purpose.
“It is no accident that we are not created as simply individuals, but we are always individuals in a relationship. Relationships remind us that identity lies outside of us in this community, and, of course, the fundamental relationship is with God.”
3. Missional Community
We were created for community. The Holy Spirit uses relationships in community to encourage, exhort, and equip us with the Gospel. Just as iron sharpens iron, our identity in Christ is often forged and reinforced through relationships with fellow believers. Christian community offers support, provides accountability, and serves as a constant reminder of our shared identity in God’s family. It’s in community where we often find our stories reflected in others, providing both encouragement and correction as needed.
Rehearse the Gospel
Resting in our God-given identity is lifegiving, but that reality is something we often forget. You and I, we must rehearse the Gospel. We must preach the Gospel to our own hearts and those around us. It’s in the reminder of the hope and joy we have in Jesus that breathes life into us in the daily grind. It empowers us to live out our divine purpose with confidence and peace. Like Joseph, whether we find ourselves in pits or palaces, our identity in God remains unchanged.
By engaging with the Scriptures, maintaining a vibrant prayer life, and fostering Christian community, we continually anchor ourselves in the truth of who we are meant to be. Do not let others define you, or your failures or hurts define you. God names us and defines us, and it is the truest thing about us.
