The Age Old Question

I have a friend named Megen that was a roommate of mine in college. She is one of the very few people I know who is not afraid of failure. In fact, she welcomes failure. She says that failure helps her get to the solution quicker, so she is not afraid of it. Because of this, she is willing to try anything and everything as it pertains to her job. She doesn’t hesitate; she just goes for it. If she succeeds great, and if she fails, she believes she is one step closer to success. 

My friend Megen knows who she is. She knows what she is capable of from a business standpoint. She is the kind of person who sees what she wants and goes for it. Once she sets her sights on a goal in her job, she does what it takes to achieve it. She is not afraid to go after what she wants as far as her career goes. She is not apprehensive about it because she is not afraid of failing. She is confident in her capabilities and doesn’t let anything, least of all fear, get in her way. She views failure as a stepping stone rather than a stumbling block, and this attitude has allowed her to achieve everything she has ever gone after in her career. 

I have never met anyone like Megen before. She is driven and confident, which would usually mean that she would be arrogant as well, but she is not. She is kind, compassionate, and very self-aware. She really is an amazing human being, and I consider it a privilege to be her friend. 

So, what is her secret? How did she get to be this way? I’ll tell you. She knows the answer to the age old question. What is the age old question you ask? I believe that can be found in Exodus chapter 3.

The third chapter of Exodus tells the story of Moses encountering God in the burning bush. In verse 11, Moses asks God the age old question, “who am I?” How many times have you asked yourself that question? I believe we should be asking ourselves that question at least once a day. The way we answer that question determines so many things in our lives. It is imperative that we know beyond a shadow of a doubt what the answer to that question is in order to live the life we were made to live. 

The enemy uses different forms of this question to trip up believers and non-believers alike all the time. The fourth and fifth graders that I work with on Sunday mornings are trying to figure out the answer to this question. The high school girls that I work with on Wednesday nights are trying to figure out the answer to this question. The women in the clubs that I visit twice a month are trying to figure out the answer to this question. If I had to guess, almost everyone reading this right now is still searching for the answer to this question as well, and let me tell you, there is no shortage of people out there ready and willing to tell you who you are. 

Identity is much more important than most of us realize. So many things can be traced back to it. Knowing who you are and whose you are can and will save your life. It is the difference between just getting through life and living a rich, satisfying, and full life. It can prevent you from becoming an addict. It can be a catalyst for change for the better in your life. It is what enables you to stand firm in the face of evil. It is the source of courage in your life. It drives you to succeed. Knowing who you are leaves no room for doubt and fear. 

So, who are you? Allow me to be one of those people ready and willing to tell you…

You are a child of God. (John 1:12, Ephesians 1:5, 1 John 3:1-2, Galatians 3:26, Romans 8:14-15)

You are chosen. (1 Peter 2:9-10, John 15:16, Ephesians 1:4, Colossians 3:12,               2 Timothy 1:9, 1 Thessalonians 1:4)

You are a new creation. (2 Corinthians 5:17, Galatians 2:20, Ephesians 4:22-24, Romans 6:6, Colossians 3:1-4, 1 Peter 1:23)

You are forgiven. (Romans 8:1, Ephesians 1:7, Colossians 3:13, Jeremiah 31:34, Psalm 32:5, Ephesians 4:32, 1 John 1:9, Isaiah 43:25)

You are fully known. (Psalm 139, Jeremiah 1:5)

You are loved. (Romans 5:8, Ephesians 2:4-5, Jeremiah 31:3, 1 John 4:16, Romans 8:38-39, Zephaniah 3:17, 1John 4:19)

My friend, these are only a few of the things I know to be true about you. Who are you? You are a child of the one true King. You are loved and cherished more than you could ever possibly imagine. You were created on purpose for a purpose. You are gifted and talented. You are more than a conqueror in this world. You are a light in the darkness. You are strong and capable. You have been redeemed and restored. You are powerful. 

You, my friend, have no reason to fear. You have God on your side and an army of heavenly angels surrounding you. I encourage you to get up every morning, look in the mirror, and ask yourself, “Who am I?” I don’t mean for you to do this as a way to search for the answer, but as a way to remind yourself of who you really are before going out and taking on the world. Know who you are. Own it. Be so firmly rooted in your true identity that no weapon of the enemy can stand a chance against you. Most of all, know that you have a church family here at Next Level cheering you on and covering you in prayer every step of the way.