Your Authentic Identity

You come to me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. 1 Samuel 17:45 (NLT)

We return once more to the battlefield in the Valley of Elah. We see David getting ready to face Goliath. He puts on Saul’s tunic, armour and helmet. He straps on Saul’s heavy sword. He tries to take a step forward, but he can’t move. He takes off the heavy armour and goes to the stream where he chooses five smooth stones and puts them in his shepherd’s bag with his sling. He sets out across the valley to face Goliath. As he moves closer, he hears Goliath roaring at him, shouting curses. David, unafraid, moves towards him. As he gets closer, he declares, “You come to me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies—the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.”

David reaches into his bag, takes out a stone and places it in his sling. He aims and releases the stone. He watches as the stone sinks into Goliath’s head. Goliath stumbles and falls face down on the ground (1 Samuel 17:31-50).

Know Your Identity

David knew that God had called him to take on Goliath and defeat Him. He also knew that he couldn’t do it wearing Saul’s battle array. They simply did not fit and would only hamper him in his assignment to defeat Goliath. He had to do it the way God had designed him. He had to do it in his authentic identity - mighty man of valour, mighty warrior (1 Samuel 16:18). He had to do it with God’s unique strategy. Even if it meant others would think it strange.

God has created each of us to be unique. He has given each of us an authentic identity. When we veer off from this authentic identity, we are not being true to who we really are. True to how God has designed us. When we try to put on another identity or someone else’s, we soon realise that it doesn’t fit. In fact, it becomes useless. This is what David discovered when he put on Saul’s armour.

Knowing our authentic identity comes from knowing who God is. It comes from spending time in His word and prayer. It comes from living by the Spirit and following his leading in every part of our lives

If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Galatians 5:25 (NKJV)

Our authentic identity is linked to the assignments God has for us. His plans and purposes. We understand His assignments when we humble ourselves before Him and submit to Holy Spirit’s leading. When we do, we will understand how to carry out every assignment and do it in our authentic identity. And in the name of the Lord of heaven’s armies. Even if it looks foolish to others.

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you. James 4:10 (ESV)

 

Reflection:

Are you walking in your authentic identity?

Prayer:

Thank You, Lord, for creating me in Your own unique way. Show me what my authentic identity is so I can walk in it. Help me to be led by Your Holy Spirit so that I can understand the assignments You have for me. In Jesus’ name, amen.