That Age That Defines Me Today

Some days I feel 27 years old and some days I feel 17. Other days my heart tells me I am 37, but my knees tell me I am 87. There are seasons when I feel stale with nothing to contribute, but the season changes and I feel inspired. There are moments when I feel like I am "rocking it" as a mother and wife, but the next I feel like a failure. As a teacher and speaker, I have had moments when I "nailed it" and others when I felt like an idiot.

So which of those is the truth? The fact is that I am 47 years old and a child of God. I must remember the season, day, or minute does not determine my identity. In God’s word He reminds me of the truth in times of waiting, failing or feeling that I have nothing to give: "Even as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will" (Ephesians 1:3-4).

I need to change my way of thinking with a new perspective. Perhaps what I fear is a failure will actually bring me to a place where God needs me to be for His will and purpose. Could my time of waiting be to prepare me for the next season, and build character by trusting in Him? Maybe it is a time to give my attention and focus to what is right in front of me. Perhaps I am uninspired because the Lord wants me to draw closer to Him for inspiration. I must believe those are my circumstances, and not who I am.

The truth is my identity and purpose never change. The season may change; God's timing may be different than mine; the strategy many not be as I planned, but my identity comes from being a child of God and walking in His will for me. It is not based on how I feel, or my accomplishments, successes or failures.

Whatever feelings, worries, or season of life you are in right now, it does not define you. As women who have accepted Christ and are walking with Him, we have the right to be called children of God. He carries us through times of waiting, messiness, and healing at any age and stage of life.

Reflection

1. Are there times when you allow your feelings to dictate how you identify yourself?

2. How could things change if you identified with the truth of who God says you are instead of your feelings?

3. How could understanding your identity in the Created Woman process (dreams, healing, identity, purpose, health, fashion) move you closer to fulfilling God's purpose for your life?