Embracing Your True Self: Living in Your Christ-Centered Identity With Jennifer SlatterySample

You are a person with divine authority.

I began my faith journey in the “Satanic-panic” era. Bible teachers often seemed to give more emphasis on “spiritual warfare” than the power of Christ residing within His children. I interpreted these discussions through an already wonky lens, distorted by reminders of the intense fear of evil displayed by one particular caregiver.

Obviously, their actions and attitude did not instill within me a sense of safety, nor did my upbringing help me find comfort and strength in Christ. I now know, and am learning to live, in this reality: greater is He (Jesus) who is in me than he (the devil) who is in the world. Our Savior conquered, dethroned, and shamed the forces of darkness when He died on the cross and rose again.

Here’s a powerful truth: As God’s redeemed children, we’ve received His authority to overcome whatever our enemy throws at us. We’re not victims to our circumstances or the darkness in our world. We’re strong, Holy-Spirit empowered and lovingly led sons and daughters of our brilliant, strategic, Creator God, and well-armed soldiers of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.

Journal Prompts:

When you feel overwhelmed and under attack, how might remembering your spiritual authority in Christ increase your confidence, clarity and peace? Pause to explore what it means that Jesus has rendered the devil a snake without venom. In what ways are you most apt to give the enemy more power than he possesses, and how can you rest more fully in your empowered identity in Christ?