DO YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE?
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV
There are certain moments in music that become larger than the song itself. One of those moments came when Jay-Z opened his now-iconic Public Service Announcement with the words:
"Allow me to reintroduce myself, my name is Hov..."
For many, it was simply an unforgettable introduction. But beneath those lyrics was something much deeper. It was a declaration of identity. Jay-Z wasn't asking permission to be known. He wasn't waiting for critics, fans, or the media to define him. He took ownership of his own story and introduced himself on his own terms. Whether people admired him or criticized him, one thing was undeniable: he knew who he was. As I reflected on those words, I couldn't help but think about how many believers never truly introduce themselves, not because they don't know their name, but because they don't know their identity.
Far too many people spend their lives allowing others to introduce them.
"That's the one who made all the mistakes."
"That's the one who failed."
"That's the one who came from the wrong side of town."
"That's the one who will never amount to anything."
After hearing those introductions long enough, we begin to believe them. We start wearing labels that God never gave us. We allow our past to become our identity, our pain to become our personality, and our failures to become our future. But God never intended for people to define you. Long before anyone formed an opinion about you, God had already formed a purpose for you. The world introduces you by what you've done. God introduces you by whose you are. The world says you're damaged. God says you're redeemed. The world says you're forgotten. God says you're chosen. The world says you're disqualified. God says you're called. The world says you're defeated. God says you're an Overcomer. Every believer reaches a moment where they must spiritually declare, "Allow me to reintroduce myself." Not because you've become someone different by your own strength, but because Christ has made you new. You are no longer who sin said you were. You are no longer who fear said you were. You are no longer who shame said you were. You are who God says you are. See, the enemy's greatest strategy is not simply to make you sin. It is to make you forget your identity. If the enemy can convince you that you are powerless, you'll never walk in the authority God has already given you. If the enemy can keep you focused on your past, you'll never embrace your purpose. That is why identity matters. You cannot consistently live beyond what you believe about yourself. When you know who you are in Christ, you stop chasing acceptance because you've already been accepted. You stop competing with others because your purpose is unique. You stop apologizing for your calling because God never apologized for giving it to you.
The greatest introduction you will ever receive is not from a stage, a title, a degree, or a position. It comes from your Heavenly Father. And when God introduces you, He doesn't announce your failures. He announces your future. Are you still believing that your future is far much greater than your present right now. Are you still trusting that God has a plan with you in mind? Do you still have hope that God can and will deliver you? Deliver you from whatever may have you bound? Deliver you to a place that is in His will for your life. Hear me. God is still able. I’m reminded of the story of David and Goliath in the bible when Saul questions if David is truly ready to fight Goliath because Goliath had be “fighting his entire life” and David had “never been in battle before” to which David had to remind Saul that he had won the toughest battles against different creatures of the earth. He informed Saul that the same God who protected, covered and shielded me then will be with me now. Now, let that same word be with you. The same God who healed you from your sickness, saved your children when they were lost, mended your relationship, or fixed your heart when people tried to break it that same God is with you now.
The reality is present sufferings will sometimes make you forget just how good God is and the fact that God still cares. And I hear you. I’ve made too many mistakes. I haven’t always done what’s right. I purposely went against what God had for my life. Not to burst your bubble or belittle your thoughts but what Leader, President, Pastor, Associate or any one in an influential seat do you know that has not gone through some affliction? Then, even if you didn’t know, let me let you in on a secret, no one has ever embarked upon a journey for the glory of God and did not have to go through some suffering. Have you considered exactly what Jesus had to endure? One who was God’s son. One who performed miracles healing the sick and even raising the dead. This same Jesus who would be betrayed by the very people he helped. This same Jesus who would face an injustice in a court system that was never built for Him. Jesus, our advocate and redeemer who would lay down His life for the benefit of you and I. Here’s a truth that I want to let you in on, that the story doesn’t end there. The reality is that we can’t have a Resurrection without Crucifixion. We can’t have a testimony without a Test. We can’t experience growth if we don’t fall down a few times. That’s the life we have been called to live in God. When you decided that you knew that Jesus lived, died and God raised Him from the dead, you my friend agreed to a life where afflictions would come because you simply said, I know a man named Jesus. But there is a peace that surpasses all understanding that God can give because we are His called, chosen children. And that should give you encouragement that you will make it because you know Whose You Are.
Say this declaration with me:
God, I am yours. You are mine. I trust that You know all things and from You all things are possible. Thank you for making me who You have created me to be. I believe you are the Father. I believe that you sent Your son for my benefit. I believe that Your spirit abides in me. I will not allow my realities to become my belief. I trust and believe that my future is in Your hands. When I seem to lose heart, give me the strength to keep going knowing that You do all things well.
