Who am I?

This seems like it could be a loaded question, doesn't it?

Who am I?

Some may believe this answer will depend on our current circumstances, while others may believe it depends on the stage of life we are in. For example, when we are young, we identify ourselves as someone's son or daughter and as we move through various stages of life our identity changes from a high schooler to a college student, then we become someone's spouse, or we list our children's names and say we are their parents. There are some that may even identify with their profession, I am a doctor, insurance agent, or a teacher etc.

However, when we face a crisis in our lives such as a loss of career, a spouse, or we become empty nesters we begin to question our identity that has been wrapped up in what we lost. But if we go back to the beginning, we begin to realize that we are God's children first and foremost before any of those other titles came into play.

When you struggle with your identity the encouraging thing to remember is that even people in the Bible struggled with their identity, especially when God chose them to do his kingdom work. Take a look at Moses, he tried to tell God he was not qualified to lead his people out of Egypt.

Exodus 3:11

"But Moses said to God, Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?"

In Exodus 4:1 Moses says, "what if they do not believe me or listen to me?" Then in Exodus 4:10 he says, "he's not eloquent and is slow in speech". Each time God provides an answer to solve Moses issues and then in Exodus 4:13 Moses says, "please send someone else." We can understand why in Exodus 4:14 the Lord's anger burned against Moses. How many times do we respond like Moses, and say "Lord send someone else, I am not qualified?"

Let's take a look at Jeremiah 1:6, Jeremiah told God he was just a child, and that he was not qualified. But in Jeremiah 1:4-5 God told Jeremiah that before he was formed, he knew him, and he was appointed a prophet to the nations and in v7 he must go to everyone and say what God commanded him. He tells Jeremiah not to be afraid because he would be with him.

Jeremiah 1:6

"Ah, Sovereign Lord, I said, I do not know how to speak; I am only a child."

In both cases God provided help for these men, and he will provide the same help to us. If I am completely transparent with you, there have certainly been times in my own life when I felt unqualified for the task God laid before me just like Moses and Jeremiah. But we are continuously told in God's Word that he will be with us and help us and we MUST trust God's Word because He is faithful to that.

If you are feeling inadequate or struggling with your identity, I hope you will be encouraged by God's words in the Scriptures listed below. Take some time to meditate on these verses and determine how God is speaking to you personally. The more we find ourselves in His Word the easier it is for us to recognize His voice which will ultimately help us ignore the lies of Satan.

Exodus 3:12-4:17 God tells Moses he will be with him and that he will perform miracles so that they people will believe him.

Jeremiah 1:8

"Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you, declares the Lord."

In Jeremiah 1:17-19 he states that they will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you, declares the Lord.

Deuteronomy 31:6

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave your nor forsake you."

In Isaiah 41:10 God says that we should not fear because he is with us, and he will strengthen and help us.

Joshua 1:7-9 states to be strong and courageous and to not be afraid or discouraged because the Lord will be with you wherever you go.

Friends your identity is found in Christ and His Word will reassure you of this. Know that He is right there with you directing and guiding your steps (Psalm 119:105). He is with you all the time, there is no reason to fear. Begin seeing yourself as God sees you. As his fearless, confident, courageous, strong child because that is how God created you!

No matter what circumstances you face in life, my prayer is that you will always remember that you are loved beyond all measure. Jesus proved that when he took your sins to the cross, when we believe in Him, we can confidently say we are God's children!

Psalm 139:14

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, i know that full well."

Written by: Jill Theriault

Crossroads Coaching - @crossroadscoachingongodstime