Where Our Identity Is Found

             Last night, while lighting the gas furnace in our lakeside mobile home, I had a flash back. It blew directly into my face giving me a free facial make over.  Last year, at the last race of the season, during the first practice, my freshly rebuilt engine had a bearing sleeve failure canceling the hope of a good race.  My racing season this year has been over and then back again by the sale and the no-sale of my racing equipment.  I almost, in exchange, was going to buy a motorcycle for a trip with friends to the Grand Canyon.

Life does continually throw us curves; for some of us those curves come as a fast ball or even a bomb.  For the believer in Jesus, although there is a struggle, we pray, "Lord I have given You my life.  I have prayed about these things and therefore accept Your will."
 
            True faith in God looks to His Word for guidance.  James 1:2 says "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance."  Trials help us determine where our hearts are. Is our identity, that which brings well being, found in our relationship with God or in the things of this world? Worldliness can be a form of idol worship and Jesus said, "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
 
            For the unbeliever, struggles or trials will destroy in one way or another.  Anger, bitterness, hopelessness, depression, guilt, and broken relationships…just to name a few of the ways.  These can lead us to ungodly ways of escape.  The only good things about the trials of life are that they can also lead us to Jesus (which can be God’s very intent.)  Jesus said, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30.  This is also good news for those of us who know Jesus.
 
            In John 17:11, Jesus prays, "Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name---the name you gave me---so that they may be one as we are one."  God as our," Holy Father", His name suggests both remoteness and nearness, far and near, God is both awe-inspiring and loving. Won't you join me in finding our identity through our trials, in belonging to Jesus?

Ken Dressler