Identity

As I sit down to write this blog I feel very vulnerable. Tonight, I am sharing one of my weaknesses with you in the hope that it may help you. I want to talk about identity.  I pray, that if this topic speaks to you, that you too will be able to evaluate your worth in Christ this evening.

So, identity… what is yours?

When that question is asked, what do you first think of?

Recently I attended a worship conference in England where, Dan wilt, the director of communication and resources of vineyard USA was the main preacher. I thought, naturally, that the preaching would be on worship but when he spoke on our first morning, he spoke about our identity.

Now, I am not going to try and replicate his sermon but I would like to share with you something that has been impacting me since I heard him speak. If you were to go into your handbag right now and lift out an imaginary business card to help explain to others your identity, what would it say?

For example mine could say;

Lyndsey Henderson – Worship Leader

or

Lyndsey Henderson – Women’s Ministry

What would yours say? Would it list your job? A position in church? Your role in your family? Or your educational attainment? What would it say?

Dan went on to say that if we are in Christ, our cards read simply. There is no reference to work role, church position or educational achievement. They simply name us a son or daughter of God.

Mine would read;

Lyndsey Henderson- Daughter of God.

We are not defined by what we do in church or out of church, or what we look like, or our talents; we are defined by being a son or daughter of the living God. What else could I possibly want my card to say other than that?! But if I am honest, is that where my identity lies - is that what my card always says? Would people who know me outside of church know that? Do I reflect this all this time? And do I even accept it for myself and stand firm in it?

Soooo many questions!

As Dan continued to talk, he spoke on striving. Instantly my heart twinged, the Holy Spirit was with me just making sure I knew He was talking to me! As I listened I began to resonate with what he was sharing. I have always tried so hard to do the best that I can do in every area I can; trying to achieve the best Pinterest life while being a full time mama and with what felt like 10 other ideas and dreams that were in my mind. I’m the person at work that just puts their hand up and says yes. And I felt God ask me why? Why are you always looking to hold on to everything, take on everything and constantly trying to be bigger and better?

Now to a certain extent this is not wrong. I do believe we should all be the best version of ourselves we can be and we should definitely fill the need in when we can. However, if I am walking the path that God has for me; there will be no striving. There will be no crawling along holding on by my nails to things and constantly pushing towards something else; something that isn’t right.

I felt God share with me that he wants what is best for us. And what is best for us is to be talking with Him about where He wants us, about where he wants us serving, where he wants us working, who he wants us to be walking alongside; everything in our lives. I’m not saying that everything with God is a walk in the park with no rocky paths, but God doesn’t want us always striving for bigger and better all the time. He wants us to be confident sons and daughters- walking in the path he has for us!

Now I could write a full sermon on serving where we are needed because I know if we need help on kids - help! And if we need someone to serve teas and coffees - help! But should I be running myself into the ground trying to achieve everything all at once? No.

In order to walk confidently as Gods sons and daughters we have to spend time with Him and know Him. I am being challenged to ask God where he wants me to serve and work. And I may not always get the answer I’m looking for; because sometimes God sends me where I don’t want to go or He says I have to lay something down. But I know my Father has the best of all plans for me. I am the daughter of the King and how else do I need to define myself?

So I encourage you tonight, that if you are always striving for more or always looking for bigger or better- then spend time with your loving Father and see what he has for you. Because, I can guarantee it’s the best!

Love,

​Lyndsey