Identity offers power in our walk through life

Identity — it is one of the single most powerful words that we can learn as we walk through this life, and allow for God to move us in.

It is something that is simple to have but difficult to hold on to at times when the wind and the waves, and most raucous lies come through.

Our identity is being a child of the one and only King in heaven the great I AM, He has instilled us with purpose, with power, with His Glory and might, and with His authority through the death and blood spilled out by Jesus on the cross. The enemy however has a specific tactic that he likes to take against us, spilling out lies that seek to give us an identity crisis. It causes us to cry out, “Who am I? I don’t feel comfortable in my own skin. How could God use someone like me? How could God forgive someone like me? I am worthless and unforgivable.”

But no, these lies are simply a misdirection to keep us from full recognition of our identity in Christ. I have found that when those lies make their way into my mind, the best weapon to combat the lies is truth, God’s truth.

His great truth states:

• “Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world” 1 John 4:4

• “But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.” ‭‭John‬ ‭1‬:‭12‬ 

• “But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” ‭‭1 John‬ ‭1:9

There is a reason that the living word of God is considered the sword of the spirit, it combats every lie the enemy has, and he has many. I urge you, next time that you question your identity, draw this weapon that God first gave us, and allow Him to fight your battles for you, knowing that what His thoughts are toward you are what give you identity.

Justin Gardner pastors at River of Life Fellowship, 702 Church St., Sandpoint. The church can be reached at 208-255-7111.