Explore: The Search For Real FaithSample

You're not who you once were

Sometimes when we've lived one way long enough, it's hard to picture anything else. We can even be told something about ourselves for long enough, that we start to believe it, accept it, and allow it to define us. We can also get to the point when we say... "That's just the way I've always been." 

It can be tough to rewire your mind and realign your heart with who you are now. It's not always easy to let go of your past, let go of a reputation and let go of a life that once tried to define you. Sadly, you may even find yourself surrounded by discouragement from people that are close to you. Maybe you've decided to change before? Maybe many times? Perhaps you've told others and even told yourself time and time again "I'm turning over a new leaf... I'm going to get my life together this time..." only to fall short.

Our single most valuable –yet least understood– treasure here on earth is our identity in Christ. Until it becomes prominent in our thinking, we remain stuck in the impossible struggle of the flesh. One of the greatest things we can ever do to transform our minds is to daily pray, declare, and speak truth and life over ourselves. 

When we accept Jesus as our Savior, we experience "rebirth" simultaneously - the Holy Spirit comes to live in us and make us brand new spiritually! We are a new creation in Christ!

There are new things that are now true about us. See, when God touches your life, you're given a new identity, a new story, and a new inheritance. 

Before God can begin to change your behavior, you need to embrace your new identity.

Our pasts do not disqualify us, and it doesn't matter who we were, or what we've done. It matters that God wants to give us a hope-filled future. We can experience a new beginning, including a past that has been wiped clean.

As the Holy Spirit continually transforms our identities into that of Christ's, we will, over time, see the evidence in our lifestyles. Understanding who you have become will make a significant change in every part of your life. You and others will see patience, gentleness, kindness, and love become a natural part of who you are; we will become more and more like Christ! It will enable your words and actions to look and sound more Christ-like. More importantly, you can be at peace with God, your circumstances, and the people in your life. 

He has made us into new creations; this is what the term "born again" means. A new creation and a new identity describe who we have become. Once and for all, we have been forgiven, declared innocent, and justified of all wrongdoing. We are brought out of darkness into His light. God declares His people righteous not only because of His great love but because He demonstrated His justice through the death of Jesus. What an amazing grace we've been given!

My legal debt of sin has been paid, and I have been JUSTIFIED. (Romans 5:1)

I am God's CHILD (John 1:12)

I am CONFIDENT God will complete the work He started in me. (Philippians 1:6)

I am CHOSEN. Chosen and adopted by God. (Ephesians 1:5)

I am COMPLETE in Christ. (Colossians 2:9-10)

I am FREE from guilt and condemnation. (Romans 8:1-2)

Prayer:

"Jesus, thank you so much for making me brand new. Thank you by faith that I'm a new creation and that Your Spirit and power are changing me from the inside out. 

Lord, at times, it's hard to see myself through your eyes. Would you give me the grace to believe I am who you say I am? God, I want your voice to be the loudest in my life. I want to believe what you say about me. I know when I do, by your grace, I'll be able to walk out more and more who I already am in Christ as a child of God. 

Thank you for loving me just as I am."