My Identity in Christ

So I recently had a big break through. So as you know, I went to UTC camp last May and learned a lot of different things. Although I knew them in my head, I didn't actually believe them or feel them in my heart. Your walk with Christ is a constant process, working through things and learning more about yourself. I recently discovered what it meant to find my identity in Christ. My self worth is in only what He says is true about me. I am typically a people pleaser; always needing them to be happy with me and I try to make that happen focusing on others rather than myself. When I focus on others I spend so much energy on them and not me, sometimes making me depressed because you can't please everyone. It's EXHAUSTING and disappointing most the time.

"For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ." -Galatians 1:10

Anyway, I had a break through the last week finally understanding what this really meant. I no longer felt the need to make everyone like me and worry about being perfect for them. When something negative and degrading happens to me I just let it slip right through me. No reaction, knowing it doesn't matter what they say. I no longer needed their approval. I knew that as long as I tried and gave everything that's all anyone can expect. There is nothing more I can do, no one is perfect. If I kept shooting and really focusing on the basket but keep missing, then that's how it is. I feel like this has to do with my constant need for worry. I am no longer worrying so much. It takes to much energy and there is no need because things always work out for the better...better than we think possible. LOVE this verse!!

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life...seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." -Matthew 6:25-27, 33-34

So the other day in our game against the top team I witnessed the best worship time yet. It was amazing. I prayed for 25 minutes before the game on my walk to the gym just asking for the joy and happiness I experienced at the beginning of the season; that I would give everything up to the Lord. That I could play with freedom in Him and just play my heart out. And that's what happened. I played hard, aggressive, and with energy (like I did back in college). I felt like my old self again. Throughout the game I would take moments to Praise God and thank Him; during free throws and time outs. Giving it all to Him. Although I missed most of my easy buckets and coach was screaming his head off, I did not let it get to me. I can't have a perfect game. Knowing that my worth is not in other's opinion or view of me but what Jesus says is true helped me keep focused and not get in my head.

"I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship." -Romans 12:1

Our bodies should be used to worship Him through what we do, in my case sport. I give my body entirely to worship. I exhaust it physically through playing hard and pushing myself to new limits. It's freeing giving everything to the Lord and being motivated by Him, what he did for us.

Anyways, it was amazing and just wanted to share.