How to Find Hope and Strength by Remembering Who You Are

As a child and an adult, I love animations. My best friend recently reminded me of Disney's classic, The Lion King, and it brought back many memories and a lesson I had forgotten. One of my most memorable scenes from The Lion King is when Mufasa, the main character's father, tells his son Simba, "Remember who you are." This simple phrase holds a powerful message that is relevant not only to the story's plot but also to our everyday lives. 

 

It's important to remember that our circumstances do not define us; our identity in Christ does.

 

Our days on earth are like trying to navigate a maze blindfolded—you're bound to hit a few walls along the way! Job loss (I can relate), health issues, divorce, financial challenges, all comes with the experience of living. When you get slammed into a wall, it's easy to define yourself based on your circumstances. This is a dangerous path because it can lead you to forget who you truly are. You may start to believe the negative thoughts that come with your situation and lose sight of your identity as a child of God. 

 

Like the story of Simba, it's easy to fall victim to an identity crisis. But as children of God, we hold the power to remind ourselves, through all of life's twists and turns, bumps and bruises, who we are in Christ and our true identity. It is within our grasp to remember and remind others to hold on to our true identity, even in the most challenging of circumstances.

 

The bible story of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11 -32 gives us hope that no matter how far we've strayed from our identity, God can bring about a moment of transformation. And that moment could be right here, right now, as you read this article. This is your opportunity for a transformative shift in your understanding of your true identity in Christ. 

 

The prodigal son was born into wealth and had everything he could imagine. He left home to explore the world and squandered his inheritance. He hit rock bottom and had to work as a servant. At some point, he came to his senses, and I'd like to think he said to himself, "What on earth? I am better than this!". He remembered who he was and returned home to his father, who welcomed him back with open arms.  

 

Let today be the dawn of a new day; remember who you are in Christ.

 

As children of God, we must remember our true identity and not let life's challenges define us. We are not just chosen, loved, and blessed by God; we are a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and God's own special people. Our true identity is in Christ, not in who or what we are in this life. This should give us confidence in the face of any challenge.

 

When we forget who we are, we can look in God's mirror for a glimpse of our reflection by reading through the words and promises given to us in the bible. The Bible reminds us of our true identity and the power, favour, and blessings that come with it.

 

For all the King's kids reading this, remember:- 

"But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." 1 Peter 2:9 NKJV