Text: Hebrews 11

Key verse: “It was by faith that Moses when he grew up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter.” Verse 24

Are you questioning who you are? Maybe what your purpose is, or what your values are? If so, you may be going through what some call an identity crisis.

The term “identity crisis” first came from developmental psychologist and psychoanalyst Erik Erikson. He introduced the ideas of adolescent identity crises as well as midlife crises, believing that personalities developed by resolving crises in life.

If you’re experiencing an identity crisis, you may be questioning your sense of self or identity. This can often occur due to big changes or stressors in life, or due to factors such as age or advancement from a certain stage (for example, school, work, or childhood).

 Signs you may be experiencing an identity crisis:

• If you are questioning who you are with regards to a certain life aspect such as relationships, age, or career.
• If you have questions about who you are or your role in society.
• Big changes such as a divorce can affect your sense of self.
• You’re questioning things such as your values, spirituality, beliefs, interests, or career path that have a major impact on how you see yourself.
• You’re searching for more meaning, reason, or passion in your life.

Moses had miraculously been saved from death in the River Nile when he was rescued by Pharaoh’s daughter, she adopted him. The new status and privileges did not alter Moses’ sense of identity because it was his birth mum an Israelite who nursed him. His dual identities both as a Jew and an Egyptian were very clear to him.

Each option had its consequences, good and bad. His sense of worth and influence in Egypt was already defined for him by his status as Pharaoh’s daughter, but deep in his heart, he tried to make sense of the suffering of his family and his purpose in life. 

Naturally, he had everything any young man could wish for, but his soul had questions crying for answers.

As believers, we receive a pardon from sin and adoption into the family of God. While this is true, we struggle to believe or feel it especially when the challenges we are going through are contrary to our new status. A child of the King of kings should not lack what to eat, shelter, or be sick. 

When your relationships fail, you struggle to see any value in who you are because of who has left you. 

Moses had to resolve this crisis by defining himself by whom God said he was. 

Choosing to be an Israelite would have dire consequences. He would suffer much financial and material loss. He would also lose his status in society, but he made up his mind to follow his heritage.

The Bible considered it an act of faith for Moses to forgo the wealth of Egypt and choose to follow God. Like Abraham, he was going to walk into an unknown future, leaning only on the promises God had made to his fathers. 

Who are you? How do you see yourself? What defines you? A product is defined by its manufacturer who knows its features, capabilities, and durability. Don’t let anyone or anything define you. Let God give you your identity and name. He made you for a purpose, it is unique to you. Don’t trade it for the world’s opinion or applause. 

When trauma hits you below the belt like Naomi, you can give yourself a name based on your present circumstance, but know for sure, that you had a name even before you were born. That is when your identity was concluded. 

“I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah 1:5
“You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.” Psalm 139:16

Who you are is defined by God’s fatherhood and your purpose was defined before your birth, you have to discover it from the scriptures, not your circumstances. 

It takes faith to follow God’s path in every season of life, Moses found the faith, find yours!

Resolve your questions quickly, don’t linger in doubt lest the enemy takes advantage of you as he did to Eve in the garden. 

Blessings,

Roses & Thorns