Yvonne Ortega has experienced many struggles and tough circumstances, but the Lord has taught her many things through them. In this Spiritual Life UPGRADE, she shares how God helped her find her identity and purpose.
“You have too many Christian friends and family on Facebook. Your posts and website are too preachy," Yvonne said the representative from a speaker’s bureau told her on the phone.
I (Dawn) know how comments like these can be devastating. I once endured a similar disheartening remark from a book agent. But I, like Yvonne, eventually turned that comment into an opportunity to focus on God's perspective.
Yvonne continues . . .
After I heard those words, I faced a challenge to my identity and purpose on earth. I realized I had to choose either what the world considers identity and purpose or what God says my identity and purpose are.
The representative talked about fortune and fame. He wanted me to focus on events that would bring in money and lots of it.
He recommended a new website, new images, and a new identity online.
The catch was that those new things would wipe out my identity as a Christian.
The weekend after that conversation, I knew I had to be true to my divine identity and purpose.
How could I do that?
1. I had to find out who God says I am.
In the Bible He says, “You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession” (1 Peter 2:9 NIV).
I prayed and meditated on the phrases.
- God chose me, not someone else. He selected me or picked me out from the crowd.
- God made me a royal priesthood. The word, royal, captured my attention. God didn’t make me second-rate or a commoner.
- By his mercy and grace, He made me holy, separated from sin and reconciled to Him through the righteousness of Jesus Christ.
- All of this, and even more, a special possession. I’m not on my own in a struggle to find out who I am. The Bible tells me I’m God’s special possession.
Nothing in 1 Peter 2:9 indicates that my identity and purpose involve striving for earthly fortune and fame.
2. I had to find out what God’s purpose is for me.
In Ephesians 2:10, the Bible says, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (NIV).
Imagine my joy in that truth. I am not just anyone’s handiwork, but God’s. He created me to do good works, not to please people.
And to make that more powerful, God prepared those good works in advance for me to do.
Before my birth, God knew His purpose for my life.
3. I had to remember that the world cannot change God’s plans.
No matter how attractive or alluring people’s plans can be, I cannot change God’s plans.
When I looked at Isaiah 46:10, I read, “My purpose will be established, and I will accomplish all My good pleasure” (NASB).
God didn’t say He might try to establish his purpose, nor did he say He hoped to accomplish all his good pleasure. God didn’t show any hesitation or doubt.
I may have to wait a long time to understand God’s purpose, but He is always at work, often behind the scenes.
In the New Testament, God confirmed the truth of Isaiah 46:10. Paul tells us, “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6 NIV).
The world’s offer of fortune and fame won’t succeed if God has another plan for me.
Years ago, God put a desire in my heart to reach “Gazillions for Jesus in my lifetime” with the message of His comfort, peace, promise and purpose. That desire has not changed.
Four car accidents in seven years, injuries, cancer, and major losses including the unexpected death of my only child seemed to interrupt or delay God’s plans. At the time, I couldn’t understand those circumstances.
As I look back, I see how God used every one of them to carry on His good work in my life. Now I can walk in confidence that God will do whatever it takes to unfold His plan.
Dear heavenly Father, thank you for my identity and purpose. Thank you that you are in charge and nothing or no one can thwart your plan for me. You will carry it on to completion. Amen.
What will you do this week to find your identity and purpose?
Yvonne Ortega walks with a small footprint but leaves a giant imprint in people’s lives. This power-packed package is an international award-winning speaker and 
the author of the Moving from Broken to Beautiful® Series. She celebrates life at the beach, where she walks, builds sand castles, blows bubbles, and dances. Discover more about Yvonne at her website and blog.
Graphic adapted, courtesy of Pixabay.
Graphic adapted, courtesy of Stux at Pixabay.