JESUS AND I HAVE BEEN FRIENDS for over 60 years now. I accepted Him as my Lord and Savior at the age of 11. During my college years and when I got married, I drifted away from Him. But after my husband left me for another woman, I went running back to Jesus, feeling worthless and alone.
The Lord held me close during those painful days, and I found comfort in His Word. Since then, I’ve remained under His care. But it was only recently that I grasped my true identity.
If only someone had told me that believing in Jesus also made me God’s child, my life would have been so different. Knowing that I belonged to the Creator of this world (who, as we say in the South, loves me “like gravy on biscuits”) would’ve changed everything for me.
His love is perfect, more faithful and complete than any human love could ever be. Nothing can separate me from His love; nothing can snatch me out of His hands. Not my failures. Not my wandering years. Not heartbreak. Nothing. (See Romans 8:38–39.)
Not only did I become God’s child, but I became His friend (John 15:15). God wants to share His heart with me. I am also a saint. The idea of being called Saint Sandra once seemed far beyond me. I thought saints had to be perfect people in stained glass windows. But the Bible says saints are people who are set apart for God and who have been made complete in His Son. (See Romans 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:2; Ephesians 1:1, 2:19; Colossians 1:12.) All believers are saints.
That doesn’t mean I’m perfect. I still sin, but I don’t call myself a sinner anymore. I’m a saint who sometimes sins. God
forgives me when I come to Him (1 John 1:9). Because I am in
Christ Jesus, there is no condemnation for me, only correction
backed by love (Romans 8:1).
God is continually shaping me into the person He created me to be. Sometimes that feels like chiseling and sanding, but He never wastes a moment. He is committed to finishing the good work He began in me (Philippians 1:6).
I am also protected. Because God keeps me safe, the evil one cannot harm me (1 John 5:18). I am strengthened in my weakness because His power rests on me (2 Corinthians 12:9; 2 Thessalonians 3:3).
God also made me free and secure in His Son (John 8:36). I no longer have to live chained to fear, shame, guilt, or the opinions of others. My circumstances may change, but my identity in Him never will.
Another beautiful truth: I was created on purpose. I am no accident! I am important, chosen by God for His purpose. I am His workmanship (Ephesians 2:10).
Imagine that—little ol’ me!
And, most importantly to me, I have direct access to God (Ephesians 2:18). I can talk to my heavenly Father anytime. He’s never too busy. Even better, when I don’t know what to say, God’s Holy Spirit intercedes for me (Romans 8:26–27, 34). The Holy Spirit brings me comfort, wisdom, and peace.
So let’s review who I became in Christ when I was 11 years old. I became a beloved child of God; His friend who is welcome anytime. A forgiven saint who is protected, free, secure, and important. God’s workmanship, created on purpose for His purpose.
If you have put your trust in Jesus, these truths belong to you too. Dive into God’s Word and get to know your true identity in Christ. And then walk in those truths daily. Knowing who you are in Christ will change your life.
Consider: Are you living as a child of God, or are you holding on to past mistakes? Which truth above spoke to you most today? How could believing these truths influence your life moving forward? What additional insights can you find in the Bible about your true identity in Him?
SANDRA HARDEE has a deep passion for reaching out to those in prison and has served in prison ministries for over 20 years.
