The Power of Redeemed IdentitySample

Day 8 – Redeemed Identity Unlocks Greatness

In Matthew 16:15-17, we encounter an amazing dialogue between Jesus and Simon Peter. When the Master asked in verse 15, “Who do you say I am?”, Peter, inspired by the Holy Spirit, replied,

“You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

Interestingly, a few verses later, Jesus gives Simon a declaration that links him to Divine Destiny:

18 And I tell you that you are Peter [The name Peter is derived from the Greek word “Petros,” which means “rock” or “stone.” ], and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.

Peter of course went on to lead the fledlging church in the Book of Acts, with dramatic results (see Acts 2 and 3).

In an earlier chapter we saw that Redeemed Identity Releases Divine Purpose. We saw how God renamed Peter and others, in line with their future callings. Like the law of reaping and sowing, these principles work whether or not an individual knows God personally. Consider the case of celebrated NFL wide receiver, Jerry Rice – this story was shared by two-time Super Bowl winner and Legacy Minded Men contributor, Lee Rouson:

In 1984, as college students, Lee and Jerry were riding on a bus to a practice for the annual “Blue Gray Football Classic” all-star college game. When young Lee asked his new friend, “Who are you?” Jerry’s answer amazed him:

“I am the best wide receiver in the National Football League”

To be clear, Jerry was still in college when he declared this. Only 4 months later, in 1985, he was drafted by the NFL, and after an outstanding 20-year career, he retired; to this day he holds most of the all-time records for his playing position. Whether Jerry was familiar with scripture or not, he was acting on a biblical principle. The apostle Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 4:13

It is written: “I believed; therefore I have spoken.” Since we have that same spirit of faith, we also believe and therefore speak.

So we can see that Jerry Rice operated in a biblical principle, and major results followed! How did that work?

·He first believed (had a settled vision of himself),

·He spoke it confidently to others (and of course applied himself diligently),

·In time, he became just what he believed!

So, how do YOU see yourself?

·Have you failed? That doesn’t make you a failure! Forgive yourself, and embrace God’s forgiveness, based on the Cross!

·Do you lack power, prestige, money, or other things that this world prizes? Fear not! Make God your source – seek Him first – and watch how things can change in your life!

·Were you abused, rejected or abandoned? Don’t let that define you! Embrace God’s Unconditional Love, and discover his heart-healing power!

God has a Redeemed Identity for every challenge that you face! Discover the “great and precious promises” that are in his Word! Learn them – memorize them – speak them out over yourself daily, and watch how renewing your mind will bring about transformation!

Prayer:

“Father, I thank you that you can redeem all the damaged identity traits that I picked up in my childhood. You can help me to discover and enjoy a whole new Redeemed Identity, based on your Word, and cause me to become the man you designed me to be! Amen.”