Do You Know Who You Are?

Last week, I read a blog post focusing on how authors view themselves. The author of the post pointed out that most writers do not know who they are and should probably try different writing styles in order to figure out the mystery. The first thought that popped into my head was, “This applies to nearly everyone regardless of if they are a writer or not. Seriously, I wonder how many people really know who they are.”

As Christians, we find our identity in Christ.

Colossians 3:3

For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. (N.K.J.V.)

Paul isn’t speaking of a literal death. He is referring to dying to our flesh, living for Christ, and becoming more like Him and less like us.  However, so many of us still struggle with trying to figure out what we were put on this earth to do. I’ve often heard people say, “There has to be something more.”

I believe that as we continue serving Christ and learn more of what it really means to “die to ourselves,” that we naturally work through the process of figuring out the purpose the Father has for us to fulfill. It doesn’t happen overnight and oftentimes, though it may be frustrating, the Lord communicates to our hearts what we are supposed to do years before we actually have the opportunity to do it.

Do not become discouraged. Learn to be content.

Philippians 4:11

Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content. (N.K.J.V.)

If you are ready to move to the next step in life, but haven’t yet been presented with the opportunity, do not become discouraged. I’m a very goal oriented person. Consequently, when I don’t meet my expectations, I begin to feel discouraged. Everything we do, every relationship we are in, and every plan we have for ourselves is a process of growth. You don’t meet your spouse and know everything about them overnight. God designed it this way for a reason.

• If we knew all of our spouses little idiosyncrasies immediately, many of us would not choose to enter into marriage.
• If before we had children we realized how daunting of a task raising them would be, some of us may have chosen to remain childless.
• If we knew how hard we had to work to accomplish a dream, many people may have chosen something different to dream about.

I believe most anyone who has accomplished any of the above examples would tell you that regardless of the ups and downs, it was worth the effort.

“If Jesus gives us a task or assigns us to a difficult season, every ounce of our experience is meant for our instruction and completion if only we’ll let Him finish the work. I fear, however, that we are so attention-deficit that we settle for bearable when beauty is just around the corner.”
― Beth Moore

We have to be content in knowing that if we keep seeking Jesus, keep learning, and keep working hard, our purposes will be fulfilled. We will find joy in what God ordained for us and Christ will be glorified. We need to keep fighting, but we also need to find contentment within the fight. Don’t be afraid of where you are right now. Realize that the place you are in serves as a temporary stepping stone into your future. The journey we are on is a rough terrain made up of mountains and valleys. God never said it would be easy, but He did tell us we would never be alone no matter where we go.

Don’t give up! God knows exactly who you are. You are loved and an amazing ministry is just waiting to be fulfilled!

How are you finding the balance between fighting for the future and being content?