Written by: CR - Mary in Celebrate Recovery, Local Sites, Longwood on August 17, 2012

When I started this blog series, I knew God would meet me in it and bless these words.  I didn't realize the Enemy would tag along.  In all of my writing years, I've never written anything harder (and that includes the financial investing research paper that was due the next morning!).   As I sit to write I am VERY aware of a battle going on for MY LIFE in the spiritual realm.  So I will plagiarize the words of Paul for a moment and ask you to:

"Pray also for me, that whenever I speak [or write], words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should." - Ephesians 6:19-20

Over the last few weeks I have become acutely aware of the importance of my identity in Christ.  Our identification as a Christian is the one thing Satan cannot touch or influence. He cannot change it and it cannot be taken away.  As a Christian, we are forever freed from condemnation.  In the past few weeks, I have learned just how INFURIATING this is to the Enemy, while he has tried to convince me I am worthless.

The second, but possibly the most important lesson in this "Self Journey" is about my identity in Christ.  After God provided a foundation of community (blog #2), He turned my attention to understanding God's intension in my life.  As a believer, who experiences earthly woundings, I often struggle with self image and self worth.  I recently petitioned God to reveal how He sees me instead of what I see in the mirror.  My prayer was simple but the response was magnificent. 

Me:  Who am I, Lord?

God:  You are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). You are one of a kind (Matthew 10:30). You are my temple (1 Cor 3:16). You are my precious child (John 1:12).  You are completed in Christ (Col 2:10).  You can do all things as Christ provides your strength (Phil 4:13). You have been redeemed and forgiven of all your sins (Col 1:14). There is NO WAY you will ever be separated from my love (Romans 8:35-39).  You are born of me and the evil one cannot touch you (1 John 5:18). You are valuable and worthy (John 3:16).

And that was just the beginning!  I am humbled by the effort God has shown while instructing me on who I am.  It's probably time I listen!  Memories of neglect or abandonment do not dictate who I am.  The way people react and relate to me do not always provide truth. I am not identified by my feelings or emotions. You will not find me in my size, weight or hair color.  You will not find me in my job or even my ministry.  I am who GOD SAYS I AM. Nothing MORE and nothing LESS. 

I am learning to accept the person God created in me and honor God for His creation.  God does not create junk.  He plans ahead.  He has a purpose. He is an AWESOME God.  Do I really think he made a mistake on me?  NO.

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11

God has yet to reveal the whole picture of how He sees me but He is giving me glimpses and pieces.  I am delighted He is the author and illustrator of my life.  I believe He is creating me to fit exactly where I need to be. I am happy to be one tile in a grand mosaic displaying God's flawless vision. 

Lord, please continue to show me who I am in you and open my eyes to the path you set before me.  Forgive me for trying to be someone I am not and believing your workmanship is not good enough.  I want to be the person you planned for my life so I can do your will.  I give you my life and ask to be a part of the greater plans you have for this world.