Editor’s Note: This is the second part of an article series. Read the first part here. This article has been adapted from Dr. Bob Sawvelle’s book, Fulfill Your Dreams.
What matters most is how we see ourselves. Who do you see in the mirror? How do you look at yourself? How does God look at you? We are no longer slaves but the children of the King. Don’t get prideful, but understand your adoption into God’s family and His care for you.
Paul wrote:
“For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory” (Rom. 8:14-17, NKJV).
In verse 15, the Greek phrase for adoption to sonship is a term referring to the full legal standing of an adopted male heir in Roman culture. Therefore, this adoption refers to heirs and joint-heirs with Christ.
You are part of God’s family, His identity and His lineage! You are an heir of God and joint-heir with Christ. His desire is to care for you, provide for you and empower you to fulfill your destiny and purpose in this life. He did not leave us as slaves or orphans; rather, He gave us His Spirit to aid and empower us.
Our new life and identity are found in Christ. Where is Christ? He is far above all power and principality! Our victory is in Christ, and we live from His ascension victory! We can now go in the power and authority of Christ, in our new kingdom identity and authority.
Typically, there is a threefold unfolding of revelation of: 1) who Christ is, 2) what Christ has done, and 3) who we are in Christ. Most believe confidently in who Christ is and what He has done through the cross and His resurrection, but few understand what this means relative to Christ in us and who we are in Him. When we understand who we are in Him, and how great He is in and through us, we begin to move toward hundredfold living and fruitfulness!
The revelation of your kingdom identity helps unlock the door to your divine destiny. Where you spend eternity hinges on what you believe about God. Your destiny hinges on your understanding of your identity in Christ and what you believe about yourself.
The Grasshopper Complex Defined
This syndrome occurs when we see ourselves as being unable to move forward in our purpose and destiny because of our wrong identity, past experiences and present circumstances. Low self-esteem, trauma, fear, unbelief and failure to trust God are all contributing factors.
Remember, in Christ, you are no longer a fearful slave but an adopted child in God’s family. Promised inheritance is for sons and daughters, not slaves. Getting free of a slave mentality is essential for you to move forward in life and appropriate your inheritance in God. Inheritance is forfeited through an unbelieving heart, but it is realized when God’s truth transforms our heart and mind. Healing of the heart and mind is needed!
We cannot face human problems with human resources; we will never succeed! Jesus said, “All things are possible to him who believes” (Mark 9:23). Belief in who Jesus is, what He has done and who we are in Him is vital! We stand on His Word—always!
The disciples also looked at their ability instead of what God could do. John 6:5-10 records:
When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming to Him, He said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread that these may eat?”He said this to test him, for He Himself knew what He would do.
Philip answered Him, “Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for each of them to receive but a little.”
One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to Him, “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two small fish. But what are they among so many?”
Jesus said, “Make the people sit down.” Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, numbering about five thousand.
Jesus suggested that the multitude be fed. Philip checked the resources and concluded that there was no way they could do it; 200 denarii (half a year’s wages) were not enough! Philip looked at the human resources to meet human needs—this fails every time!
But, in verse 9 there is a boy who gave his lunch. The little boy saw the same problem but included Jesus in the calculation! Jesus went beyond human resources and met with supernatural provision.
When God is left out of your reasoning, the obstacles will always seem greater than your abilities or available resources. When you look at the challenges and opportunities in front of you and say, “How can I possibly do that?” then failure is certain.
What are you facing today that seems impossible? Which is bigger, your problems or your God? Your resources and abilities alone will never move you into extraordinary living, but with God, all things are possible! Instead of comparing our problems to God, we compare them to ourselves. Tell your problem how big God is!
For more from Dr. Bob Sawvelle, listen to Empowered for Purpose on the Charisma Podcast Network.{eoa}
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