Exercise Faith

 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Hebrews 11:1

People who know who they are in Christ are people of faith. They don’t ever forget the unconditional of love Jesus that has set them free. Their identity is not based on the opinions of others or on circumstances that keep changing. Their identity is based on the redeeming and unchanging work of Christ.

 

People of faith know how God sees them—chosen by Him to be His—thoroughly redeemed and forgiven—blameless and right with God—loved and accepted—lavishly blessed—victorious in life—sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise. They know that the Grace of Jesus has given them a wonderful inheritance of every spiritual blessing. They are confident that their lives will work out according to God’s plan and purpose (Jeremiah 29:11-13, Ephesians 1:1-14). They know that these truths are who they are in Christ and that His identity is theirs.

 

People who know who they are in Christ are not just satisfied with the status quo. They are hungry to understand all Jesus has given His life for them to have. They know that what God has for them is abundantly more than what they ask. It is greater than what they can envision. They choose to believe and walk by faith as if that vision is already accomplished in their lives (Ephesians 3:20).

 

People who know who they are in Christ praise God for His love for them. They know He never leaves or forsakes them (Hebrews 13:15). They don’t live by their emotions. They praise Him for what they can’t see but believe. The peace of God holds them steady through the ups and downs of life (Philippians 4:6-7). Confidence in the faithfulness of God gives them the power to stand strong. Their love of God abounds in their lives because they believe God loved them before they ever chose to receive His love (1 John 4:19). They receive God’s unconditional love without any hesitation, and they freely give as they have received (Matthew 10:8).

 

People who know who they are in Christ know that God wants to reveal himself to them—that He has given them the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him (Ephesians 1:17). They believe that the Holy Spirit guides them into all truth. They know the Holy Spirit doesn’t speak on His own authority. Whatever He hears, He speaks (John 16:13).

 

Faith calls for our response (James 2:26). Our response of faith to what Christ has done for us pleases Him. And God rewards those who diligently seek to know who they are in Him (Hebrews 11:6). People who know their identity in Christ know how important it is for them to live by faith.

 

When you are a person of faith, you know and believe God’s love for you is unconditionally yours. God doesn't judge you on how you perform. He judges your heart, and when Jesus is in your heart, that is who God judges. God judges Jesus as righteous. Jesus has given you His righteousness. So when God sees you, He sees the righteousness of His Son in you. When you are a person of faith, you know you don’t have to earn the righteousness Christ has earned for you. You believe everything the Word says you are. Knowing who you are in Christ—believing the position He has given you, sets you free to believe anything is possible. 

 

When you appreciate what Jesus has given you, it keeps on appreciating and flourishing in your life. You know the value of what He has done for you. 

When you start learning who you are in Christ, then you begin to understand the Resurrection power of the new life Christ has given you. What Christ accomplished on the cross is already yours. You see that His work is finished. There is nothing more to do. You know that all has been won. And you walk not as the world defines you, but you walk by faith in who He says you are.

 

Thank you, Holy Spirit, for always teaching us who we are in Christ. 

My friend, learn and believe who you are in Christ. Exercise the faith Christ has given you. It is powerful for those who believe Him. You will have no doubt of His love for you.

© 2023 Lynn Lacher

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