Who you are in Christ.

Hey y’all,

I am so happy to be back in this space writing about God’s goodness with you all.  A lot of things happened that seemed to keep me from blogging, but the main one was my computer being on the fritz.  It crashed while Jon was out of town. (doesn’t it always seem to happen that way?!)  So our 4 kids and I went to the Apple Store to see if they could salvage my Macbook.  After playing on the blocks in the back of the store for what seemed like a decade (#iykyk), the sweet man came back with my computer and said, “I’m sorry, but this thing is really dead. (He then went on to explain what that meant in technical terms)  You can get it repaired but it will cost almost as much as a brand new computer.”  So, with that, we left the store toting my ‘dead’ computer along with a lot of glances like ‘who brings their kids to the Apple Store?’  Just me, I guess haha!

Thankfully, my SIL had a spare computer she no longer needed and has generously allowed me to use it. I had been praying and praying about what to do, then the Lord provided through her.  I am SO grateful.

BUT that is not what I will be focusing on today although God DID provide in a huge way through this computer.  Today, I want to talk with you about something that is life-changing.  Your identity.  Who you are in Christ.  Who God says you are. 

A close friend of mine (who is also a fellow 139 Member) shared with me that although she has been a follower of Christ for a long time, she has struggled lately to truly understand her identity in Him.  Man, could I relate to this.  She told me that in one of her most recent counseling sessions, her counselor gave her ‘homework’ to write out scripture that points to who God says she is.  At our church, we like to call these ‘I am’ statements or promises. 

As her and I kept chatting, the list below came to my mind. I sent it to my friend but I also thought it may be helpful to share with y’all as well.  Pastor Joby read through it in a sermon a little while back and when he did, the little hairs on the back of my neck stood up.  I don’t think I can ever be reminded enough of WHO I am in Christ.  If I am being honest, I tend to forget my true identity semi-easily. This world, my past, my anxiety, my sin, you name it---tries to tell me the polar opposite of who God says I am.  BUT GOD being rich in mercy and grace, has given us so many verses in Scripture to point us back to our true identity in Him.  I hope you find this list as helpful as I did.

I AM ACCEPTED

I am a child of God.  (John 1:12)

I am Christ’s friend.  (John 15:15)

I have been justified.  (Romans 5:1)

I am united with the Lord, and I am one with Him in spirit.  (1 Corinthians 6:17)

I have been bought with a price.  I belong to God. (1 Corinthians 6:20)

I am a member of Christ’s body.  (1 Corinthians 12:27)

I am holy in Christ.  (Ephesians 1:1)

I have been adopted as God’s child.  (Ephesians 1:5)

I have direct access to God through the Holy Spirit.  (Ephesians 2:18)

I have been redeemed and forgiven all my sins.  (Colossians 1:14)

I am complete in Christ.  (Colossians 2:10)

I AM SECURE

I am free from condemnation.  (Romans 8:1-2)

I am assured all things work together for good.  (Romans 8:28)

I am free from any condemning charges against me.  (Romans 8:31-34)

I cannot be separated from the love of God.  (Romans 8:35-39)

I have been established, anointed, and sealed by God.  (2 Corinthians 1:21-22)

I am confident that the good work God began in me will be perfected.  (Philippians 1:6)

I am a citizen on heaven.  (Philippians 3:20)

I am hidden with Christ in God.  (Colossians 3:3)

I have not been given a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.  (2 Timothy 1:7)

I can find grace and mercy in time of need.  (Hebrews 4:16)

I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me.  (1 John 5:18)

I AM SIGNIFICANT

I am the salt and light of the earth.  (Matthew 5:13-14)

I am a branch of the true vine, a channel of Christ’s life.  (John 15:1, 5)

I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit.  (John 15:16)

I am personal witness of Christ.  (Acts 1:8)

I am God’s temple.  (1 Corinthians 3:16)

I am a minister of reconciliation for God.  (2 Corinthians 5:17-21)

I am God’s coworker.  (2 Corinthians 6:1)

I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realm.  (Ephesians 2:6)

I am God’s workmanship.  (Ephesians 2:10)

I may approach God with freedom and confidence.  (Ephesians 3:12)

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.  (Philippians 4:13)

I pray that as you read through all of these TRUE statements about who you are in Christ, you would pick out a few to memorize.  Why?  Because the enemy prowls around like a lion looking for someone to devour.  At some point, you are going to hear ‘whispers’ that you aren’t good enough.  That you aren’t loved, aren’t valued, aren’t created in God’s image.  The best way to battle these lies from the enemy are with the truth of Scripture.  If we memorize the truth about who we are, when we get tempted to believe anything else, these verses will rise to the top of our minds.  That is why understanding your identity in Christ can be so life-changing. 

The only one I would add under ‘I am Significant’ is I am fearfully and wonderfully made.  (Psalm 139: 14)  It has taken me 12+ years of saying this specific ‘I am’ statement before I have actually begun to believe it.  And you know what?  That’s ok.  Even if you don’t believe every statement to be true of you specifically, right away, keep saying them out loud.  Let your heart hear the truth about who you are in Christ.  Eventually, it will catch up to your mind.  God will use His Word to transform our entire lives if we allow Him to do it.  I pray that today, you will allow Him to deepen your knowledge of how much He loves you and that He created you in His image.

You are fearfully and wonderfully made!

Lots of love,

Camille