Attack on a 20-something-year-old's identity

Identity Attack (Written May, 2016)
I am in the middle of a Donald Miller book and I must say, his writing inspires me to write. And I don't get inspired to write very often. It's the honesty. I soak that shit up.

Anyway, I realize that I am having such a difficult time in life right now because my identity has been consistently attacked the whole time I've been in Ohio. And I know I'm not alone in the struggle, being in my twenties, figuring out my purpose in life, and wrestling between hope and doubt for my future.

It seems that the majority of my peers in their mid-20's are feeling like they are being knocked down, struggling to figure out life, facing discouragement about the difficulty of life, and finding deep disappointment in what life has become and in where they seem to be headed. And I wonder...could it be that the mid-20's is an opportune time for the enemy to attack? Maybe identity is the enemy's number one target for us young adults...young, excited, full-of-potential adults who possess God-given passions, talents and gifts to make an impact for His kingdom on earth...but not if our identity is wounded, forgotten, or stolen.

Jesus began his ministry when he was around 30 years old (Luke 3:23). The enemy came after him just prior to this time because it was "an opportune time." The enemy has the same tactics today, and we cannot ignore them by looking at this time in our lives simply as "a difficult time that will pass."

Bringing Lies into the Light
Lies have been thrown at me through every life situation I have experienced during my Ohio adventure.

Situation 1: Group Project
First, I think of Fall Semester when I had this huge group project, which haunts me to this day. This project required a TON of time, thought and effort. I mean, what did I expect, I'm in grad school for crying out loud! But, I was unprepared and regretfully unwilling to put in the "unjust" work requirement for the project. So, I chose to place greater investment in something else...a romantic relationship...that didn't last.

The Lies:
The lies thrown at me through this situation are...I'm a failure...I'm indebted to other people for doing my share of the work...I cut corners...I use my Christianity and my smile to breeze through without doing anything meaningful...I don't care....I think an "apology" will make it all better...

Situation 2: Living Situation
Living with a married couple who invited me into their family and did more for me than I could repay.

The Lies:
The lies are...I don't contribute...I don't love...I'm selfish....I don't care...I don't work hard...I'm uninteresting...I'm a taker rather than a giver....

Situation 3: My Prior Relationship
Love and loss.

The Lies:
The lies are...the real me isn't enough...not even isn't enough but isn't desirable...my stress and anxiety are too much of a burden for anyone...I shouldn't put anyone through that...

Situation 4: Clinical Rotation
The lies are...I'm dumb...I'm slow...I couldn't handle having a full patient load in a hospital...

Situation 5: Friendships
The lies are...I take more than I give...I expect others to do everything...

Situation 6: WIC rotation
The lies are, I can't connect with people....I'm too timid to be a competent counselor...

Situation 7: FS rotation
The lies are, I'm timid...I'm lazy...I'm afraid...I'm quiet...I don't take initiative...I don't care...

LORD, speak truth over me. I'm desperate for Your truth to penetrate each and every one of these lies that is thrown at me daily.

What is the truth?

I am bold as a lion.

I possess a gentle and quiet spirit.

I am smart.

I am a giver.

I love.

I care.

I am honest.

I work hard.

I take initiative.

I am efficient.

Who I am is enough and it is desirable.

Who I am will change the world for the good.

I have a lot to offer in relationships.

I can connect with people.

I am interesting.

I am successful.

Jesus paid it all.

I am indebted to no one because all things are from HIM.

I may be selfish, afraid, lazy, and uncaring at times but these characteristics are not my identity. My identity is in Jesus Christ, in his death and resurrection. The truth is, I am a sinner but I am no longer defined by my sinful nature. The Father sees me only through His perfect and spotless Son and therefore, I AM perfect and spotless by the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ.

I will not allow the enemy to steal my bright future. I will look to Jesus daily for an "identity check" and be on guard against every scheme of attack on who God has created me to be.

Ask Yourself
What situations in your life is the enemy using to speak a false identity to you? Pin-point the lies and then shatter them with the truth of what God says about you.