What enables you to face challenges without becoming overwhelmed?  Consider Jesus Christ the night before His crucifixion.  Knowing the pain and anguish that He would face the next day, He patiently prepared His disciples for His forthcoming departure.  Jesus was able to effectively minister to His disciples because He knew who He was and He knew where He was going,

Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come forth from God and was going back to God,  (John 13:3)

Jesus knew He came from God and was returning to God.  When you understand your true identity and God’s destiny for your life then you are filled with a God-given confidence that can free you from stress and anxiety.

If you’re not sure of your identity as a child of God, then you may try to prove your worth through your performance.  It’s easy to fall for the trap that Robert McGee calls Satan’s lie:

My self-worth = My performance + the opinions of others

When your identity is wrapped up in your performance it can seem like you’re on a roller coaster.  Rather than trusting in yourself, you need to have a healthy confidence in the  sufficiency of the indwelling Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit in your life.  The Apostle John records the assurance that results from knowing what you believe and the destiny that awaits you,

These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.  (1 John 5:13)

John continues,

This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.  (1 John 5:14)

You can have confidence as you follow Jesus knowing that your destiny is secure.  Don’t let your past determine your destiny – keep your eyes on Him.

Are you living in the truth of your God-given destiny?  The decisions you make now enable you to experience the fullness of life in Christ.  For the believer, heaven is your destiny and becoming like Jesus is your goal.

What is a challenge you’re facing?  Remember that your future is as bright as the promises of God (William Carey).

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.  (Romans 15:13)

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

Follow me on twitter:  rickhiggins5