My mind has been buffering for weeks trying to locate some sense of identity and faith. Wading through numbing darkness, surrounded by the resounding echo of a dial-up internet connection, each sound leaves me with hitting an error 404 – person not found.
Reacclimating to life outside the confines of our home has felt strange. The expectation of being in social settings and returning back to “life as we knew it” can either be exciting or stressful. Either way, change is afoot.
Peace in transition
Transitional periods can be difficult, whether we’ve intentionally initiated them or not. Finding peace in the midst of transition can leave you feeling vulnerable and questioning the promises you’ve held onto.
It’s easy to become lost in noise when they’re born of the sounds of doubt and isolation. Reminding ourselves that The One who formed us keeps His promises surrounds us with the unshakeable truth of our Creator.
“For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.” (2 Corinthians chapter 1, verse 20).
The scripture in 2 Corinthians reminds us that even in periods of transition and uncertainty, God does not go back on His word. He will keep His promises. There is surety, sanctuary and serenity in finding a firm foundation that exists outside ourselves and our search to control what is beyond our ability.
Faith in silence
Holding onto faith can seem impossible when we’re feeling lost. The truth is that darkness and silence are not mutually exclusive. When we face the darkness or the unknown, we aren’t required to become consumed by silence.
“For we live by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians chapter 5, verse 7).
Choosing faith doesn’t mean we choose blindness and isolation, but rather to anchor ourselves deeper in our faith. We have the opportunity to choose to fill the darkness of uncertainty with the sound of prayer and not uncertainty.
Choosing faith when we aren’t moved by emotion doesn’t mean that we’ve lost our sense of direction, but that we’ve maintained our bearings despite uncertainty and insecurity. Our choice is a life of faith, not merely a moment of emotion.
Identity found
Once we’ve managed to quieten the dial-up tone echoing in our minds, we can remind ourselves of the source of our identity.
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will…” (Ephesians chapter 1, verses 3-5).
Whether we feel challenged by circumstantial or self-imposed transition, our identity doesn’t have to be questioned. This scripture in Ephesians is a clear reminder that we do not belong to the world, nor do we allow emotions or circumstances to dictate our responses.
We may hear the resounding sounds and feel intense loss, but we are never alone and we are never unknown. We find our identity in Christ, a child of the Father. We are known and we belong.
We face many uncertain times, many outcomes that are out of our control, but we don’t have to face a loss of identity.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah chapter 29, verse 11).
Whilst this is a commonly quoted scripture, the truth of being known by the Creator is unshakable. We are known, chosen and loved! In every moment, in every season, we are always found in Christ.
Hailing from South Africa, Crystelda is an avid nerd and an unapologetic dreamer. With a BSc. Biological Sciences and BCom Hons in marketing, she has launched the Christian lifestyle blog - Selah Blogger and is the joint winner of the 2019 International Theology Award. The blog can be found at https://selahblogger.wordpress.com/ and her previous articles may be viewed at https://www.pressserviceinternational.org/crystelda-naidoo.html