My Identity in Christ Jesus

Even though, I was raised as a Christian believer, I was still caught up in the sea of other's opinions of what and who I should be. I Praise God for freedom, deliverance and healing. Faithful sisters and brothers in Christ helped me to overcome the constant battle of the mind, transformation of seeing the truth of who God created me to be, and the ministry areas in which I was most useful. The ways I found my true identity were: while memorizing scriptures, reading books about who and what God's characteristics were, studying Jesus Christ's examples, exploring how the Holy Spirit's functions were manifested in my life, finding out my spiritual giftings, being surrounded by others who understood the importance of walking in spiritual authority, praying with others through tough times, learning from spiritual mentors, having Christian accountability partners who offered encouragement, listening to scriptural worship songs, renewing my mind with the Word of God daily, attending and completing bible studies about books in the New Testament, and the powerful deep dive into a women's "Victory by Virtue" biblical training course at Victory Christian Center in Tulsa, OK. At the same time my spouse enrolled in the Victory Church men's biblical training course and the spiritual victories were life changing and permanent. My eventual transformation was not easy or a quick change. It truly took a village and it was the small steps and tiny victories that helped me at first.

As a student, young mother, and wife, I was ill prepared for the challenges of those seasons in my life. Suffering, trials, set-backs, tribulations, rejections, failures, pressures, and grief from loss didn't help with my low self-esteem, desire to please others, feelings of inadequacy, condemnation, and guilt. Negative thoughts, unrealistic expectations, and images of myself were welcome visitors in my mind. My spirit was willing but my flesh was weak, resulting in my soul and will being constantly in a battle. At times, I still have to remind myself of who I am in Christ. The Word of God tells me that I am the apple of God eye, I am His beloved, He knows the number of the hairs on my head, my name is carved in his palm, he is a prayer answering God, his plans and purposes for me are for good and not evil, His words does not return back void, the Trinity is at work in and through me, God is merciful, faithful, slow to anger, compassionate, forgiving, and would that none would perish. God does not give up on us. Life does not promise us fairness, freedom from adversity, or to be easy all the time. Each adult has a testimony of how they have overcome. I often remind myself of the past victories in which it seem like a miracle, wonder, and sign that God provided what I needed, when He deemed it most appropriate. I don't think God wants me to live in despair, hopelessness, anxiety, loneliness, and lack. He longs for a deep intimate relationship with all His family members, God wants to spend eternity with me/us. El Roi (He sees me and is perfecting those things that concern me), I am loved by God. Our God's thoughts and ways are higher than ours, we can not truly fathom Him. He is truly majestic, magnificent, and a marvelous God. Humanity was formed in His image yet He uniquely formed each one of us in our mother's womb. Jesus is our advocate, intercessor, and Savior. The Holy Spirit is our helper, guide, comforter and empowers us with the gifting we need at the time we need them to be a blessing to others. As a child of God I can go boldly into the throne room, ask for help when needed. He desire open and honest communication with us. God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are truly invested and committed in this Spiritual relationship. Each member in the universal body of Christ is needed (that includes me and you). Regardless of our feelings, callings, or current Christian station, we are valued and chosen. I have observed others for years and found out God works with imperfect people quite often. His love is not based on our perfections. Those who help to build His Kingdom do not all look alike or all have the same backgrounds. We all strive at times and are working things out. There is none truly good, we all fall short and miss the mark at times. God is not filled with hate and looking to punish us when we fall. When we confess our sins, he forgives us. He is not the accuser of the brethren. After turning away from sin, choosing to head in the right direction, he cast our sins into the sea of forgetfulness. There are so many testimonies of how God has helped people with personal struggles, addictions, character flaws, abusive tendencies, pride, lust, and other sins. He does not want us to bathe in self condemnation. Our image should reflect Him. Our goal and His desire is ultimately for holy and righteous followers. We are to wash ourselves daily in His Word. Allow his Word to be like a mirror reflecting the truth, a lamp unto our feet, and a light to our path. One of my university professors said he often has to remind his flesh that it is dead, dead, dead. We need to remind ourself daily that some part of the flesh maybe due for a crucifixion and those unnecessary weights that are hindering our progress need to be cast aside. Our Father and Creator is a patient, longsuffering, generous and Holy God and His goodness often brings us to repentance.

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Identity in Christ is the secure, God-given identity of a believer as a forgiven, loved child of God and a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). This identity is rooted in Jesus' work, not performance, defining believers as righteous, chosen, and redeemed. It provides an unshakable foundation, replacing temporary, earthly labels with spiritual significance and eternal purpose.

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Core Aspects of Identity in Christ

• Child of God: You are adopted into God's family, belonging entirely to Him.

• New Creation: The old life of sin is gone, and a new life in Christ has begun.

• Chosen and Beloved: You are chosen, set apart, and loved unconditionally, regardless of past or mistakes

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• Forgiven and Free: No condemnation remains; you are freed from sin's power and defined by grace.

• Masterpiece: You are designed by God’s hands with purpose.

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How to Embrace Your Identity

• Accept God’s Definition: Trust what God says about you in Scripture over your feelings or others' opinions.

• Stop Performing: Rely on what Jesus did on the cross, not on your personal achievements or failures.

• Renew Your Mind: Actively replace negative, insecure thoughts with biblical truths.

• Live as "In Christ": Recognize that you are a joint heir with Jesus, empowered by the same Spirit that raised Him from the dead.

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This transformed identity shifts focus from insecurity to significance, offering a new perspective, freedom from guilt, and a firm foundation for life.

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