Why is acknowledging our identity important in our relationship with God? The night Jacob faced himself and God - Genesis 32 paints Jacob alone, wrestling until daybreak. - Verse 27: “Then the Man asked him, ‘What is your name?’ ” - God clearly knew Jacob’s name; the question drew a confession of who Jacob really was—“heel-grabber,” “schemer,” “supplanter.” Why the question matters - God invites honesty. Before blessing, He calls for truth. - Naming himself “Jacob” forced acknowledgment of a lifetime of manipulation. - The moment he stopped hiding, God could rename him “Israel” (v.28), marking a new covenant identity. Why acknowledging our identity remains vital today • Transparency with God - Psalm 51:6 “Surely You desire truth in the inmost being.” - God works where we drop our masks and admit both brokenness and need. • Humble confession - 1 John 1:8–9 reminds us confession brings cleansing; denial leaves us in darkness. - Like Jacob, we face who we’ve been so God can change who we become. • Receiving a new name - 2 Corinthians 5:17 “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” - Revelation 2:17 promises a “white stone with a new name” to the overcomer. - God doesn’t erase our past; He redeems it, giving purpose to our story. • Anchoring security - Isaiah 43:1 “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine.” - Knowing who we are in Christ silences fear and comparison. • Empowered living - John 1:12 “To all who received Him…He gave the right to become children of God.” - Identity drives behavior; children live differently than strangers. A thread woven through Scripture - Moses: asked God’s name (Exodus 3:13-14) and discovered his own calling. - Isaiah: “Woe is me” (Isaiah 6:5) before “Here am I; send me” (v.8). - Peter: admitted failure (Luke 5:8) before being named a rock (Matthew 16:18). - The Samaritan woman: exposed (John 4:17-18) then became a witness (v.28-30). Practical ways to acknowledge identity before God 1. Begin prayer by stating, “Lord, here is who I am today—fears, motives, sin, dreams.” 2. Let Scripture mirror you (Hebrews 4:12) and respond rather than deflect. 3. Embrace your new name—beloved, forgiven, heir—when condemnation whispers the old one. 4. Share testimony; spoken truth cements identity (Revelation 12:11). The blessing on the other side - Jacob limped away but walked in greater authority. - Honest identity leads to deeper intimacy, lasting transformation, and a life that points to the God who lovingly renames His people. |
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