This weekend, I took advantage of our state’s tax free shopping. The parking lots were full, the stores were beyond crowded, and the lines at the register were crazy long. It looked like Christmas Eve, but I couldn’t resist the sales along with not being taxed. Our new budget has me living as frugally as possible.
After dumping an array of clothing on the counter for my growing 10-year-old daughter, the store clerk went through the usual routine of ringing up the merchandise. I swiped my handy debit card, put in my PIN, and waited for the transaction to be processed. My left eyebrow arched when I noticed her calling the manager of the store over.
“Excuse me, ma’am, but the computer has indicated that your account has been locked. I am sorry, but I have to confiscate your card.”
My face flushed. I felt dead weight in my gut. It wasn’t from shame of not having enough money in my account, I knew I did. That morning I had verified funds online and had even used my card at another store just minutes ago. Worries of fraud flooded my thoughts. My bank was closed and the next day was Sunday, so I had plenty of time to contemplate my identity being stolen.
By Monday morning, I had come to terms with my identity…
I am a saint.
I am redeemed.
I am a child of God.
I am a friend of Jesus.
I am free from condemnation.
I am seated in heavenly places.
I am the salt and light of the earth.
I am a member of the body of Christ.
My identity is in Christ. Can that really be stolen? I think not! If we are His children, we are sealed by the Holy Spirit. Nothing can separate us from His love.
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels,nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38-39
As for my debit card, I soon discovered it had a faulty chip in it which caused the whole mix-up. Things did not appear the way they seemed to be.
So often, there are circumstances, voices, and doubts that cloud our being able to understand who we are in Christ. That does not change the truth though. When we fully grasp our identity as believers, our thoughts, words, and actions begin to line up. Appropriate that which was wrought for you at Calvary. Remember, this position is not attained by any effort of your own, but by the love, mercy, and kindness of Jesus and His redemptive work at the cross and through His resurrection. It is yours. Walk in it.
13 kind thoughts:
I know the feeling. It is one of helplessness when you discover something wrong on the weekend and have to wait until Monday to find out the truth. By the time Monday comes around you have decided that the problem is 10 times worse than it really is. Most times it is no problem at all. I try to have faith in everything but sometimes things like that make me worry. I guess the best way to look at it is just like you said. They can take my name, my money, my house and anything else that I own but no one can take away my relationship with God. Great post today.
Really a very positive and uplifting reflection! Thank you! Cathy
I always come here and find myself encouraged and lifted up -- you have such an authentic, lovely way of sharing truth, Angie. Thank you :)
i would have sunk with panic too, but you are so wise to gain the right perspective. I read your post and nearly felt like a heel...
Excellent thought my friend. I especially liked it when you said, "So often, there are circumstances, voices, and doubts that cloud our being able to understand who we are in Christ. That does not change the truth though. When we fully grasp our identity as believers, our thoughts, words, and actions begin to line up."
Our identity is indeed in Christ. Thank you for that wonderful reminder. Our position is redeemed - bought with a price - both now and for eternity.
Have a great weekend :) I hope you were still able to get some sales for your daughter. I know what you mean about living frugally lately. But that's a good thing. I need to learn to be a better steward.
What a great perspective you have!
BTW ) I just tagged you for a meme if you feel like doing one.
Have a great day :0)
Suzy
Oh my goodness, what a great post Angie.
I can imagine that gut feeling when the manager is called over.
Thanks for turning your circumstance into a devotion for us to think on...
LOL:)Wanda
Pray for India....my friend's neighbor (pastor) got killed....he was cut into 4 pieces. Over 200 Christian homes burnt down....13 Christians killed....
A missionary lady was burnt alive....many in fear are hiding in the jungle...
Holy Father, may your righteousness prevail. Praying, Sidharth!
Thank you Angie, the name of the place is Orissa. It's a hindu group called VHP thats behind it. My prayer is that Abba gives Christians the boldness and love to preach His Gospel in spite of all that's happening.
You are so right! Our TRUE identity (in Christ) can NEVER be stolen. That is the identity that really matters. Thank you for this post, Angie. As usual, it has been a blessing and excellent reminder.
Hi Angie. Nice to meet you and thanks for stopping by. This is a good word. :)
marilynn
So true! What would happen in this world if every believer, every Christ follower, lived in the absolute truth of our identity in Christ. I pray today that I can know my identity in Jesus to my very core. That it would inform every thought, every word, every action I have.
Beautiful blog!
peace in Christ,
brad
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