21 August - Your True Identity

“Our identity does not begin when we begin to understand ourselves. There is something previous to what I think about ourselves, and it is what God thinks of us, and He is faithful to call us back into our true identity every time.”

Take for example Gideon whom God interrupted while he was in the winepress. Gideon wasn’t pressing grapes; he was afraid and choosing to hide from his enemies where he hoped they wouldn't find him threshing wheat. (Judges 6:11-23)

Gideon has been listening to the wrong voices and mindset for a long time, and as a result, he ended up hiding in a pit. That’s because an incorrect and negative voice in your life will groom you to accept disappointment and fear, ultimately pushing you into hiding.

But even while Gideon was hiding in what resembled a pit, ankle-deep in muck, God through the visitation of an angel started declaring Gideon’s true identity and His plan and purpose for his life.

Angel means messenger and it was God’s message the angel declared. Gideon argued with what was being said, but fortunately, the angel totally ignored Gideon’s story because he knew Gideon’s true identity, and it was the angel’s job to remind Gideon who he was.

“The Angel of the Lord appeared to him and said, “Mighty soldier, the Lord is with you!” (Judges 6:12)

God didn't create a fearful, cowardly person when he made Gideon, so he just kept calling out gold in him and encouraging him out of the pit. (Judges 6:11-23)

Once Gideon chose to listen and replace his belief about himself with what God was declaring he not only got out of the pit, but he also became a courageous warrior leading his people into battle against impossible odds to achieve victory. God called out from the edge of the pit, and Gideon listened, causing his life to be transformed.

There are many heroes and heroines reading this who have been shut down and pushed into hiding just like Gideon.

But when you were created God was smiling and thinking you'll be a blessing to the planet, and He is the only one who has the right to tell you who you are. Anything that disagrees with what and who God declares about you has no right to rent space in your mind or heart.

God is here to help get you out of the pit and to expose any lying, arguing voices and thoughts that seek to deny access to what's available to you.

Today I encourage you to look up and see that there is a way forward. God is the one who speaks your true identity, not your past, others, or your circumstances. He’ll help you break free from negative thought patterns and lead you in the way to go. Listen up and you will hear him speaking and offering an outstretched hand out of the pit and into new hope and a future. “ (Jeremiah 29:11)

“He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along.” (Psalm 40:2 NLT)

Prayer: Lord, please show me who I really am in you and all that you say and believe about me. I put aside any lies or unbelief about my real identity and take hold of the promises and future I have in you today. In Jesus’ name Amen.