Every person wrestles with it. There’s a certain point in life when we realize we are a created human being with this whole world around us and for like… what?
What purpose do I actually serve?
Do I even matter?
What was I made for?
Will the work I do or the things I say make any impact?
What defines who I am?
Who am I?
If you’re anything like me at all, you’ve wrestled with this. Usually in the high school or college years… especially in the transition between college and the career world. Asking myself what am I actually going to do with my life?
We often pair identity and purpose together. Which I guess makes sense; if you know who you are then you know what to do and what you are capable of, right?
But what about who’s you are? Do you belong to something? A group, a church, a sorority? What about your roles; a daughter, a sister, a wife, a mom?
Many times, we confuse our roles in life with our identity.
That may be a role you play, or job you have, but it is not WHO YOU ARE.
So, who are you? Well let me tell you, because once you truly grasp it, it will change your life.
- You are a Child of God.
“Yeah, yeah, I’ve heard that.” But have you really? I’m not talking about the child raised by a parent who’s just doing their best. There is no earthly father like the Heavenly Father. A child of God means you are covered. Covered in love, grace, forgiveness… you cannot run too far, drive too fast, or bon voyage to a deserted isle and escape the love of our God. He’s ever-present, waiting for your cry for help, before you and behind you. Protecting you, shielding you, wrapping His arms around you whenever you simply ask.
Besides that, hello, He created EVERYTHING and saw fit this earth needed you at this exact time. This year, this date, this day, this person (you) was a part of the plan. A perfect plan. Being a child of God, a child of the King, also means an heir. Your inheritance in the Kingdom of God is far more than we can fathom from some will and testimony on this earth. And He’s preparing a place for you there right now.
John 1:12 “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”
- You are Free.
Blessed with thoughts and emotions; being able to feel, taste, and touch, God sure knew how to make sure we had the best in life on earth. This includes our freedom. But our freedom only comes with submission to him. “Huh? How does that work?” Let’s put it this way…. When you live for Christ, yes, as His servant, He’s like “You know what, I’m adopting you and all this is yours, and I’ll carry the weight of your burdens, sin and shame.” Talk about a deal. When we see His love and freedom, we don’t want what the world has to offer. So, give up your life for His and live crazy, free, and confident without the chains of sin that so heavily burdens our spirits. He wants us free and happy in Him and the life He has planned for us.
Romans 6:6 “We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin.”
- You are an Image Bearer.
I’m not just saying look in the mirror and that’s what God looks like. That may be your physical image, but let’s think about something. My daughter, she’s just about the spitting image of me. My eye color, my face shape, body style, and smile; she bears my image. But her laugh, her sense of humor, her interest in things, her compassion, her kindness, her character, those also equally reflect me as well. She bears my image physically, and she bears my image personably. People see her and know to whom she belongs. When people see you, do they know to whom you belong? Let us not forget, He gave us His image, so everywhere we go, we shine like the light of truth that He is.
Genesis 1:27 “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.”
- Blessed and Highly Favored, Sis.
Planned and purposeful, you were formed at the exact time and place for a reason. You were a miracle of birth to your mother and father, whether they knew it or not, you are a miracle. You are chosen by God because He made you just the way He wanted to. In the words of Mary Poppins, “practically perfect in every way.” Just because you don’t know the next step or two on your path or what your future may bring, doesn’t mean it’s not already planned out for you. Because it definitely is. God’s not surprised you’re here… or shocked that you chose a specific path. You can’t surprise a God who created and planned everything, so sit back and be blessed and highly favored.
Jeremiah 1:5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I set you apart…”
- A Part of the Big Picture.
God created you specifically with your purpose in mind. Your body, your hair, your eyes, your talents, your skills, your likes, your dislikes… I’m talking all of it. Even to the size of your foot. Why? Because you are a part of the bigger picture, a part of the body of Christ. Christ is the head, the church is the body. You’ve heard that before, right? The body of Christ has so many intricate details and peoples and passions, all for a reason – to do the work of Christ on earth. So, if you accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, congratulations you’re a part of the body. Get ready to use exactly what God has given you to spread the Gospel. Where He’s put you, at what job, at what desk, in what city, of what state or country… It’s part of the body working. And honestly, only you can do the work that is designed for you. So, what is your work you might ask? Shine. “This little light of mine, I’m goin’a let it shine,” isn’t just a children’s song, sis. It’s your mantra. Go be the body part you were intended to be, and use what you’ve got, because that’s why He gave it to you.
1 Corinthians 12:27 “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you a part of it.”
When it comes to your purpose and what you want to do in life… Remember, God planted seeds many years ago that are still waiting to harvest in your heart. He created desires in your soul that grow into lavish dreams and blessings. All of these things you think and ponder on, daydream about, they are possible. Start praying about them, ask God to lead you exactly where He wants you, and when you feel like He’s asking you to take a crazy jump… jump. But never, ever forget who you are… because your identity is the foundation to your purpose. And to whom you belong to, is the perfect base of your identity.
