Pastor Tricia's Ramblings

In 2 Corinthians 5:16-17, we find profound wisdom that speaks directly to the core of our identity as believers: “So from now on, we do not regard anyone according to the flesh. Yes, though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet we do not regard Him as such. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

Your identity is a powerful thing! When we choose to follow Christ and enter into a relationship with Him, our very identity transforms. The old self is gone, and the new has arrived. We are not merely the sum of our past mistakes or failures; we are renewed through Christ. To put it another way, the “dead” version of ourselves has been made fully alive.

However, stepping into this new life often presents challenges. Embracing the new identity God offers requires us to let go of the old ways, and for many, this can be daunting. We hold tightly to familiar pain, dreams, and belongings because they are our comfort zones—the “known.” Yet, clinging to these familiarities can hinder us from experiencing the abundant life that God desires for us.

Letting go frees us up to embrace new hopes and dreams. It invites us to discover God’s dreams for us. Don’t let fear rob you of the extraordinary plans He has in store. Allowing Christ to illuminate our lives may expose the darkness we wish to keep hidden. But understand that those exposed parts can lead us to freedom from guilt and shame.

On the other side of this vulnerability lies newness of life—a transformation into our true identity, finally belonging to Christ. To achieve this, we must engage in an honest dialogue with God—an act of opening up and revealing ourselves, which might seem intimidating.

However, there’s good news: God already knows everything about us. Every flaw, every secret, every heartbreak—and still, His love for us remains unwavering. By getting real with God, acknowledging our sins and pain, we allow His grace to wash over us. This acknowledgment invites forgiveness, breaking the chains of our past and setting us free once and for all.

So, are you ready to step into your new life in Christ? He is waiting for you with open arms, eager to welcome you into an existence that is overflowing with hope, purpose, and love. 

The invitation is clear: let go of the old, embrace the new, and discover the fullness of life that awaits you in Christ. Your new identity is waiting—will you accept it?