If someone asked you to describe yourself in three words, what would you say?
Successful? Overwhelmed? Hardworking? Would it match what God says about you?
Oftentimes, we describe ourselves based on the circumstances we are navigating. On some hard weeks at work, I may describe myself as exhausted, overwhelmed, and defeated. On some great weeks as a parent, I may say I’m content, encouraged, and optimistic.
The reality, though, is that God doesn’t describe us based on what we do or what circumstances we are navigating; He describes us based on whose we are.
3 Things God Says About You
1. I Am God’s Creation
Genesis 1:27 says, “So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”
Being created in the image of God means we are made to reflect Him and His good works.
Being created in the image of God means we are made to reflect Him and His good works. The qualities we are created to mirror are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, fruitfulness, gentleness, and self-control, which we call the fruit of the Spirit.
If someone were to use those words to describe us, that would feel good, right? That’s because those words align with who we were created to be. Look at the list of the fruits of the Spirit again: Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, fruitfulness, gentleness, and self-control. We were created in the image of God to embody these characteristics—characteristics that He put inside each of us.
The next time you feel defeated, angry, or jealous, remember the characteristics God created you to possess. God says you are empowered to show His love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, fruitfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
2. I Am a Child of God
John 1:12 says, “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”
As followers of Jesus, we are children of God. But here’s what’s interesting to me about this verse. It says, “he gave the right to become children of God.”
Becoming a child of God is a gift. He doesn’t give us this gift based on good works; He gives it because He is grace-filled.
Oftentimes, when gifts are offered, they are received. But not always. When we decide to give our lives to Jesus, we automatically receive this gift and become children of God. Not because of good works, but because of how generous our God is.
It doesn’t matter what’s happened in your past; if you’ve lied, cheated, or stolen, or been dishonest or unfaithful, when you give your life to Jesus, all your sins are washed away. You become a child of God. What a gift to receive!
Whether you gave your life to Christ 27 years ago or seven days ago, you are a child of God.
Whether you gave your life to Christ 27 years ago or seven days ago, you are a child of God. And if you’ve not yet made that decision, I encourage you today to pray the prayer below to receive God’s gift. What God says about you is that you are forgiven, you are a new creation, and you are His beloved child.
Pray This Prayer
God, I need You. The weight of this world and my sin surrounds me. Today, I recognize that my life is not my own. Today, I give it to You. Change me. Make me new. Today, I give my life to You. I am Your child. In Jesus’ name, amen.
3. I am Chosen and Called
Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
The passage goes on to say, “And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified” (Romans 8:30).
This verse doesn’t mean life will be good and happy at all times; rather, it means God is working in every situation and circumstance you face. We often label ourselves with our occupation, our age, or our circumstances, but remind yourself—you are chosen and called by God. God has given you His glory, His praise, and His Spirit.
Who Does God Say You Are?
The next time you ask yourself, “What does God say about me? Who does God say I am?” Remind yourself of these three things:
- You are God’s creation and made in His image.
- You are a child of God, forever loved and accepted.
- You are chosen and called by God, with a lifelong purpose.
Pray This Prayer as You Head Into Your Week
God, today I recognize that my identity hasn’t been centered around who You say I am. Help me to see and hear what You say about me above all else. My circumstances, past, and doubts don’t define who I am. You do. Give me confidence today to walk in who You say I am. In Jesus’ name, amen.