ID - ?

“This is the first time since it was given to me that I do not know where it is. That is very unsettling,” I said with frustration and great concern. It was only a small piece of paper, barely large enough to write on. It had only a few words printed on the surface. I rarely used it. Few people had ever seen it. So what’s the big deal, right? Well, it represented my identity and ability to work.

You see, my Social Security card was misplaced. Though small and seemingly insignificant, this little paper represents much. It validates my citizenship, authorizes that I can work a job, and verifies that I can receive certain government benefits or services. ( “Get a New or Replacement Card.” 31 July 2009 )

I was reminded of that dilemma as I read John 1:19-34 today. Jews from Jerusalem were puzzled by John. They wanted to know more about him. John clearly established his identity when asked by the priests and Levites if he was the Christ, Elijah or the Prophet, stating instead that he was a “voice.”

Have you ever had an identify crisis, wondering who am I? Why am I here? What am I supposed to be doing? Or perhaps this has been settled for some time, yet the winding road of life has led you to a new place in which you are uncertain about your role. Again, great comfort and answers can be found in God’s Word:

“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Ephesians 2:10 NIV

“Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.”
James 4:17 NIV

Naturally following, I began to question, so how do we know the “good works” that are prepared for us to do? Entire books have been written about how to discover and fulfill our purpose. I am not attempting to answer those questions, but hope rather to stir within you the desire for more – more of God’s Word.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.”
Psalm 119:105 NIV

Read it for yourself, study it and practice what you learn. This is where your true identity will be found. The Message translates the words of Jesus plainly:

“These words I speak to you are not mere additions to your life, homeowner improvement to your standard of living. They are foundation words, words to build a life on. … if you just use my words in Bible studies and don’t work them into your life, you are like a dumb carpenter who built a house but skipped the foundation. … a total loss.”
Luke 6:47-49 The Message

We must simply determine to seek Him and act on what He reveals to us. In doing this, we will find ourselves doing “good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

So what happened after John’s identity was known? He knew what God had called him to do and he did it. He boldly stepped up to the challenge and proclaimed the messages given to him. He did the good works God prepared in advance for him to do.

I found it interesting, too, that John testified a second time, the very next day, after his identity had been established. That for which he anxiously waited to see came to him, namely, Jesus. He knew at some point in time this would happen. And finally it did!

And what of my misplaced ID card? The very day my replacement card was received in the mail, my original card was also found! I had asked the Lord to help me find it – and He did! I chuckled at the timing!

Lastly, what of your identity? Have you firmly established yourself in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ? Do you follow Him, seeking to be like Him? It’s a wonderful adventure to walk into the specific plans, and good works, He has for each of us to do!

Again, I hope you’ll share with me about what God is doing in your life through His Word! Leave a comment on my blog tanjadufrene@blogspot.com) or send me an email …

“… I want not only to share my faith with you but to be encouraged by yours: each of us will be a blessing to the other.”
Romans 12:1b the Message

Blessings ...
Tanja Dufrene
Women’s Ministries
Lakeside-Highpointe