Pain and anguish are rampant in our world. It seems that many emerge into adulthood from deeply troubled backgrounds, continually struggling because of broken families and a marred sense of identity.
Over the years I’ve encountered many who quietly agonize over issues related to their father—perhaps the most significant natural relationship in this life. It seems that many are attempting to process deep feelings of inadequacy and fear as result of this strained relationship.
This assertion may surprise you, but Jesus was confronted with similar issues as He walked the Earth as a man. From the moment of His miraculous birth, He was denounced. He was sometimes unjustly accused of illegitimacy. Sadly, Jesus even had to face ridicule from His immediate family (Mark 3:21).
People don’t consider this, but circumstances weren’t always easy for the Son of Man. He was dishonored and renounced by many. After inviting Jesus as a special guest into his home, one of the leading Pharisees publicly spurned Him. Reflecting on this, Jesus exclaimed, “I entered your house. You gave me no water for my feet … You gave me no kiss … ” (Luke 7:44a, 45a).
Despite all of the disparagement, Jesus was able to triumph. Scripture reveals that Jesus’ identity came, not from His earthly circumstances, but from His heavenly Father. Although others chided Him, Jesus heard the following words spoken over Him: “You are My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Mark 1:11).
The Son of Man held on to a healthy identity because of His abiding relationship with His Father. As He pressed into heaven’s goodness and glory, His earthly role became clear. This unique posture made all the difference in His life.
Jesus vividly demonstrates that astounding realities unfold as one embraces true sonship. One’s ultimate identity doesn’t come through striving, accommodation or acquisition. It originates from intimate fellowship with the heavenly Father.
In the face of fierce alienation and duress, you must discover the incredible power of “sonship.” Outside of this shared sense of family, you’ll never truly become who you were called to be. The Bible reminds us that “God has sent forth into our hearts the Spirit of His Son, crying, ‘Abba, Father!’ Therefore you are no longer a servant, but a son” (Gal. 4:6-7).
In the midst of intense isolation and anxiety, God is offering something that could truly transform the world. It is time to discover your identity in the only place it can truly be found—the family of God.
J.D. King, director of the World Revival Network and co-pastor at World Revival Church, is writing Regeneration: Healing in the History of Christianity. King is a sought-after speaker, writer and author.
Janet Perez Eckles 
Shawn Akers 
Abby Trivett 
