A Prayer to Remember Who God Says I Am
By Kristine Brown
“I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance.” - Ephesians 1:18, NLT
As a culture, we’ve grown accustomed to introducing ourselves with a short list of titles that describe who we are or what we do. I might offer my name and follow that with: I’m a teacher, a pastor’s wife, or a writer. Other times, I might say I’m a mom or Mimi, depending on the situation. I’ve learned to be quick about tossing out a few details about my life that define me. Maybe because it helps me connect with the other person. Or, if I’m being totally honest, maybe it makes me feel like I’ve done something worthwhile ... like my life is significant because of who I am.
But in all the ways I like to identify myself, I never start with the single most important detail that defines who I am, “Hello, my name is Kristine. I am a child of God!” Even saying it aloud right now as I write the words down, I catch myself sitting up a bit taller, lifting my chin a bit higher. There’s something about reminding ourselves that we are children of God that will change our attitude. When our attitude lifts, so does our confidence.
I’ve often imagined how people would react if I introduced myself that way, yet I never have the courage to try it. Because most days, I don’t live like I am confident in my role as God’s daughter. I face life’s challenges from a position of defeat rather than from a place of victory through Jesus. I let the distractions and cares of this world weigh on my shoulders until the pressure can be visibly seen in my posture. But that’s not how God wants his precious children to live.
On days when I feel powerless— when I look in the mirror and see someone incapable of handling what life throws at her— I turn to Ephesians 1 and remind myself how God sees me. The apostle Paul encouraged the church at Ephesus to know who they were as co-heirs with Christ. He implored them to see themselves as God saw them. “I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance.” (Ephesians 1:18)
I love the image of God flooding our hearts with light, especially in those times when I don’t see clearly. The English Standard Version translates Paul’s words this way, “having the eyes of your hearts enlightened…” Paul prayed God would illuminate their hearts so that they would know and understand their special identity. And his prayer applies just as richly to our identity as God’s children today. Let’s take a look at 3 truths about who God says we are from Ephesians 1.
I am loved and chosen by God.
“Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.” (Ephesians 1:4)
I am adopted into God’s family.
“God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.” (Ephesians 1:5)
I am showered with God’s kindness, wisdom, and understanding.
“He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding.” (Ephesians 1:8)
With our hearts enlightened to these three truths, we can remember who God says we are, even when life wears us down. We can stand with confidence before the mirror, ready for any challenge, and boldly claim, “I am a child of God!” We are God’s holy people, you and me, His rich and glorious inheritance. Shoulders back and chin up, my friend in the faith. Remember who God says you are as we pray together.
Let’s pray:
Dear God,
Thank you for reminding me of my identity as your child. Thank you for flooding my heart with light so that I can see clearly and understand who you say I am. Sometimes the challenges of life distract me and wear me down. I forget what your Word says—that I’m adopted into your family through the resurrection of your son, Jesus Christ. Forgive me for facing difficulties from a place of defeat. I am victorious because of you. Help me stand with confidence in my position as your daughter. Your word says you loved me and chose me before the creation of the world. Praise you, Lord, for who you are in my life, and thank you for claiming me as your own.
In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
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