What’s Your Identity?

I just finished reading Living Fearless by Jamie Winship. Winship has spent his life working as a militant peacemaker, a law enforcement officer called to help the most hardened criminals see Christ. He believes his God-given identity of militant peacemaker has allowed him to live his life fearlessly.

Over the course of his life and career, Winship has worked in law enforcement and in Islamic states. He has invited gang members into his home to show them the love of Christ. He has openly proclaimed the name of Christ in Muslim countries, facing down death. He has seen lives change, all because he knows God called him to be a militant peacemaker. His confidence in who God created him to be has allowed him to live fearlessly.

Think about King David. He was anointed king as a young child, many years before he actually ascended to the throne (1 Samuel 16:13). He carried the title of king in his heart and mind, giving him the courage to lead in difficult circumstances. He knew God was going to place him on the throne, so he was able to live fearlessly even when he was being hunted down by King Saul.

Think about Moses. Moses was extraordinary even as a baby (Exodus 2:2). He was saved by Pharaoh’s daughter, in the palace. God called him from a burning bush, calling him a leader of the country.

Christ called Simon Peter a rock, the foundation of the church (Matthew 16:18). Even after he denied knowing Christ, Peter was able to rebound by leaning on his identity as the Rock.

Each individual within the scripture has an identity, an identity that allowed them to rise to the occasion, to walk in the purpose for which God called them. It doesn’t mean they never faltered. After all, David ran in fear from King Saul. He committed adultery and murder. Moses was also a murderer. He was convinced he should not be the one to lead the nation of Israel. Peter denied knowing Christ in the heat of the moment. But, despite their many failures, they went on to embrace the identity spoken over them and fulfill the purpose for which God created them.

But what about you? Have you ever asked God what identity He has for you? Have you paused long enough to listen to what He is speaking over you? How does His identity for you play out in the purpose for which He created you? Are you walking forward courageously, embracing the purpose to which He is calling you?

Those are the questions that have been swirling through my mind as I have pondered this book. I know I was called to ministry as a ten-year-old child. I served as a pastor’s wife for 17 years. When my marriage fell apart, I found myself wondering who I am, what my purpose is.

As I’ve asked God to reveal His identity to me, I remembered how Isaiah 61:1-3 pierced my heart a number of years ago:

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me,
    for the Lord has anointed me
    to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted
    and to proclaim that captives will be released
    and prisoners will be freed.
He has sent me to tell those who mourn
    that the time of the Lord’s favor has come,
    and with it, the day of God’s anger against their enemies.
To all who mourn in Israel,
    he will give a crown of beauty for ashes,
a joyous blessing instead of mourning,
    festive praise instead of despair. 

Oh, how God quickened my spirit within me when I read these verses several years ago! I could hear Him speaking these words over me, telling me I was created to proclaim His name to the broken hearted, to those who mourn, to the captives. As I read this passage again this last week, I heard God say it:

“You are my anointed one.”

God spoke to my Spirit, calling me anointed. He has called me to proclaim His name, to bring good news to the poor. He sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to set captives free. He anointed me to help bring a crown of beauty, to wipe away the ashes and replace with a crown of joy!

As I’ve meditated on what it means to be God’s anointed one, I am asking Him to reveal the practical outworkings of His anointing on my life. I know my heart. I know my passion. I simply want Him to make it clear the practical steps of moving forward in His purpose for me, for my life. I’m asking Him to show me His divine plan in the days to come and how knowing I am anointed needs to change my life. I do know I cannot walk in fear in any longer; He has called me and will provide the way as I seek to abide in Him.

What is God speaking over you? My friends, God has a special calling on your life too. Maybe He also calls you anointed. Or beloved. Or called. Or chosen. Maybe you are His peacemaker or His problem solver. Maybe you are priest or shepherd or pastor or prophet. I don’t know what He calls you.

I do know, however, that if you will ask, He will reveal your identity. He will give you clarity, a purpose, the ability to believe for so much more than what you have now. He will give you the ability to live fearless!

Will you join me on this journey?