[Peter and John] noticed the linen cloths lying there, but the burial cloth that had been on Jesus’ head had been rolled up and placed separate from the other cloths.

~John 20:6-7 TPT

Embracing your new identity will help you roll up, lay aside, and leave some things in the tomb. 

Perhaps it’s an old mindset or belief we still struggle with. Maybe we feel unlovable, unacceptable, unworthy, inadequate, or unfit for the job. Or, we may feel fearful, anxious, weak, unintelligent, or bound with things we feel as if we can’t get out of. Perhaps we are in a situation where we feel unwanted, depressed, hopeless, condemned, or alone. But Jesus Christ provides hope.

Jesus left everything in the tomb from which He was resurrected. He didn’t leave the tomb in the same state He entered it. He discarded everything old. When Jesus entered the grave, His body was pierced, torn, crushed, bruised, and beaten. When He emerged, He was completely transformed. His body no longer bore the open wounds He incurred on the cross. In place of Jesus’s injuries, healed scars told a story of pain to healing.

The Bible says when we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior, we belong to Him and become a new person. Our old life passes away, and our new life begins. Our old life of sin, the power of Satan, the religious works of trying to please God, our old relationship with the world, and our old mindsets all disappear. God makes us new by our union with Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, all things have become new.

~2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV

When we identify our insecurity, Jesus will give us His perspective. He will enable us to roll it up, lay it aside, and leave it in the tomb where it belongs. We have a new identity in Christ, so take off the graveclothes.

Don’t see yourself as still wearing burial clothes. See who you are in Christ.

Lord Jesus, thank You for giving me a new identity. Thank You for working in my life. Please help me to identify something I’m struggling with that does not align with the truth of how You see me. As I sit here with You, please bring to my mind your perspective on this issue and then help me to roll this problem up, lay it aside, and leave it in the tomb where it belongs. Instead, help me to cling to Your grace and know You have renewed me. Amen.

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2021: Embracing Your New Identity: Brandie J. Muncaster: All Rights Reserved