WHO DOES GOD SAY I AM?
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)
In Hannah's culture, a woman's identity was often closely connected to having children and raising a family. Because Hannah was barren, she could have easily viewed herself as a disgrace or believed she wasn't enough. Peninnah constantly reminded Hannah of what she lacked, but Hannah didn't allow her circumstances to define her identity.
We live in a culture where identity is pushed on us like a ton of bricks. We are constantly reminded of what we are not, what we don't have, how we should look, what we should accomplish and how we should contribute to society. It is no wonder so many people struggle with their sense of worth.
And this isn't just a battle women face. Men can feel the pressure too. A man's identity can become wrapped up in being the provider, having a successful career, owning a home, being physically strong, protecting his family or always having the answers. When those things don't go as planned, it can be easy to wonder, Who am I if I can't accomplish these things?
For years, I allowed my identity to be shaped by what others thought of me. God made me in His design, but I tried to change myself to gain acceptance. I didn't see myself as a beautiful mother of six; I saw myself as the shame-filled woman who was divorced and a single mother.
The enemy wants us focused on the negative—our failures, disappointments, limitations, mistakes and past. He wants us to believe that what we do or don't do determines our value. But God calls us to something greater. Our identity isn't found in our relationship status, career, accomplishments, appearance, financial success, parenting or what others say about us.
Second Corinthians 5:17 reminds us that when we are in Christ, we're a new creation. Our past does not have the final word. Our failures don't have the final word. Other people's opinions don't have the final word. God does.
Hannah's circumstances didn't change her worth. She belonged to God before she became a mother, and she belonged to God after Samuel was born. That truth was enough for her.
APPLICATION: What label defines you today? Replace it with God's truth, and remember that your worth is found in Christ.
PRAYER: Father, help me find my identity in You. Remind me I am Yours. Remind me that You define my worth. Amen.
"… Our Father in heaven…" Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
• What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
"… may your name be kept holy." Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
• What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
"May your Kingdom come soon." Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
• Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
"Give us today the food we need," Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
• Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I'm around today?
"and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us" Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
• Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
"And don’t let us yield to temptation…" Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
• Is there anywhere I'm vulnerable to temptation?