Identity Part Two: Discovering Your Purpose & Identity
When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples,
“Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”
“Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.”
Then he asked them,
“But who do you say I am?”
Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
Jesus replied
“You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being.”
Matthew 16:13-17 NLT
Last week in Mistaken Identity, we discussed how we’re not defined by titles, roles, positions, our past, or even where we find ourselves in life currently.
This week, I want to share how when we know who we are (our identity in God), we can discover God’s purpose for our lives.
Here’s how…
In the above passage, once Simon Peter had the revelation of who Jesus was, Jesus called him blessed,
and went on to say this…
“Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.”
Matthew 16:18-19 NLT
When I read those verses recently, God revealed something to me that I hadn’t seen before, as it relates to identity. Once Simon Peter had the revelation from God of who Jesus was, Jesus then revealed Simon Peter’s identity and purpose.
While we may all be at different stages in our Christian walk, I believe this truth is relevant for every believer. Some of you may be new believers, and all these things sounds new to you.
For others, you may have been walking with God for a while, and what you’re reading today may sound familiar. While many have heard these things before, some are in season of frustration. You may be longing to get even a “glimpse” into what God’s will is for your life.
You may be wondering how you can use your God-given gifts, and talents to help change the world. Or, if you’re anything like I was, you may even think you don’t have any talents worth speaking of.
Let me be the one to tell you, that you’re closer than you think you are. It’s not that God has forgotten you. It’s not that that He has this grand plan for everyone else, except you. No, this isn’t the case at all.
Years ago, someone close to me shared a message from the Lord for my life. In part it stated, “Allow time back here, Sheena.”
Periodically, I would think about those words. I would say it over, and over again with the most confused look on my face. I couldn’t wrap my mind around what it meant. “Allow time?” “Here?”
Where was here???
In prayer recently, God gave me the revelation of those five words. While I had been feeling like things were moving so slowly in my life, God revealed that there was just SO MUCH that He had to teach me. “For a good teacher wants the student to be prepared.”
“So, today I say this to you...
“Allow time” for your true identity in God to be revealed.”
As I said before, the enemy works so hard to attack us in the way of identity. There were so many false things that I had learned along the way. God needed time to “re-teach me” His truth.
Even though it may get frustrating at times, we can’t rush the process. We have to “allow time”, to get to the place where God is calling us. It takes time for God to show us who we really are…to reveal our true identity in Him.
The more you spend time with God, and allow him to change you from the inside out, the more He will reveal Himself to you. The more that God reveals His identity to you, the more YOU will realize WHO YOU ARE. The more you realize who you are, the closer you get to understanding God’s will and purpose for your life.
Having this understanding, will allow your eyes to be opened, your vision to expand, and God’s dreams for your life to be realized.
Your
identity
and
purpose
are
so
beautifully
wrapped
up
in
God
The future God has for you is so much more than you imagine!
Stay tuned next week, for the last part of this series, where I’ll be sharing some practical ways to grow closer to God.
Today’s Prayer
Father God, thank you for the revelation that my identity and purpose are revealed through You. Your word says that if I draw close to you, that you will draw close to me. [James 4:8]
Show me ways that I can draw closer to you. Teach me your ways. Reveal the gifts and talents you have placed on the inside of me, and show me how to use those things for your glory. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Today’s Reading: Hebrews 13:20-21; Proverbs 16:9
Hebrews 13:20-21 (NKJV): “Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.”
Proverbs 16:9 (NKJV): “A man’s heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.”