If I’m honest I would have to admit that this move from our beautiful home just over a mile from the beach in Florida to the mountains of Pa has stirred up a lot of uncertainty in my life. With this uncertainty comes fear. 

How often do we fear the unknown or the untraveled path? The road we find ourselves on is often a familiar place just a different time in life with varying conditions.

When we left our home here in Pa over five years ago, I remember how much I disliked the weather. After being here in Pa the past week my memory has been validated and I still dislike the weather. 

In times like this we can either, run in fear, doubt what God has done or lean into Him as we continue to watch Him direct our path.

2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

This verse brings me so much peace as I recite it aloud. Are we willing to call things that be not as though they are, or will we succumb to the fear that is not of God?

Understanding who we are in Christ is our defense against the lies of our enemy. If God has given us a sound mind, then we will declare who we are in Christ when others say elsewise. What are we telling ourselves today?

Here are just a few things God says about His children. Each and every one of us are His favorite. 

John 15:5 We are Christ’s friends.

Romans 5:1 We have been justified.

Ephesians 1:1 We are saints, holy ones.

Romans 8:1-2 We are free from condemnation.

For a more conclusive list refer to “Who I am in Christ” Neil Anderson, http://ficm.org/

Geography or weather does not change who we are in Christ. Our identity in Christ is secure. The world around us longs to belong. 

I am a part of a Journey Group through Deeper Walk International. We meet each week via Zoom. This week we have been looking deeper into our identity in Christ.

Amy Brown writes, “In the 4 level control center of the brain, our heart characteristics are developed in Level 4, otherwise known as the Identity Center. This is the part of our brain that knows, “what it is like me and my people to do,” so a well trained Level 4 is tuned into the special traits God has placed within us. As we learn to use these traits in our interactions, we partner with God to create belonging and restore shalom-the sense that things are as they should be. What a tremendous gift to our fractured world!”

This Sunday our pastor, Kleyn Russell, shared the portion of scripture in Daniel 3. He pointed out that Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were on fire for God. Fire can not consume fire. These three men had already resolved to believe God and to serve Him only. The fire was used to change the bondage they were in both physically and spiritually. The fire brought them freedom. God’s way is always the best. They would not be swayed by their fear. 

 Who are we on fire for? Who have we placed our trust for salvation in? Do we look at the flames or do we declare who Christ says we are? Are we overwhelmed by the lack of sun or do we focus on the Son?