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Scripture:
1 John 3:1a-b
(NIV) – “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we
should be called children of God! And that is what we are!”
Message:
Losses come in many forms. It may be the death of a dream, the end
of a job, failing health, a prison sentence, or the passing of a
loved one. What we don’t always realize – until it occurs – is how
deeply our identity can be affected by loss.
“Who am I
now?”
is a question that can leave us pondering our purpose and destiny,
often in the midst of despair.
About a year
into my widowhood, I attended a Christian Chamber networking event.
At that point in my life, I had no job and no business card. It
felt awkward as I wondered, “How do I even introduce myself?”
That’s when I
realized something important. My identity is not found in the roles
I fill – employee, songwriter, spouse, mother, or daughter. All of
those identities can be taken away. But one thing that will never
change is my “spiritual identity.”
Because of
God’s plan of salvation, Jesus’ obedience to the Father, and the
Holy Spirit’s active presence in our lives, we no longer have to
ask, “Who am I now?”.
I am a
Beloved Child of God, and I am the righteousness of God in Christ
Jesus. Our Savior Jesus was born, died, and was resurrected as a
testament to the great love God has for His creation. We are
Kingdom kids with a Daddy [Abba] who delights in us – simply because
we are His.
While God
gives us spiritual gifts to be used for holy purposes, our meaning
in life goes far beyond our job, our ministry, or our marital
status. Our identity is anchored in the Trinity. Because of this,
we can rest in the knowledge that we are always deeply loved and
fully valued.
Prayer:
Father God, thank You for giving us Your identity and helping us
understand Your unconditional love. When we feel lost, confused, or
without purpose, remind us that we belong to You. Your goodness and
grace are sufficient to carry us through whatever twists and turns
life brings. In Jesus’ precious name. Amen.
Michele
Hudson
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