Maddie & Kait as Guests On The Created, Called Commissioned Podcast : Who Am I, Really? Finding Identity & Purpose in Christ Beyond the Surface
In a world where we're constantly told to "find ourselves," to "be true to who we are," and to "live our truth," it's no surprise that many of us find ourselves struggling with a deep sense of confusion about who we are and where we truly belong. For many Christians, the phrase "your identity is in Christ" is a familiar refrain. But what does it really mean? What does it look like when life feels overwhelming, when you're facing hardship or confusion, or when you've completely lost touch with who you are? Let’s dive into the raw and honest truth about identity and purpose in Christ—beyond the surface-level Christian clichés.
Why This Episode Matters
We’ve all heard the well-meaning phrases: "You’re chosen." "You’re loved." "Your identity is in Christ." But what do those words really mean when life is heavy? When you feel lost in the midst of your roles as a wife, mother, businesswoman, or friend, and you’re struggling to remember who you even are?
We’ve been there too. There was a season when I felt completely disconnected from myself, lost in the midst of my identity as a mom, wife, and businesswoman. I was juggling everything, yet I felt empty and overwhelmed. It wasn’t until I went through a journey of struggle and surrender that God began to reveal to me my true identity in Him. It’s a journey that’s still ongoing, but one that has brought freedom and clarity.
Today, we’re inviting you into this conversation with us. We want you to be honest with yourself—maybe you’ve been wrestling with your identity for years, or maybe this is the first time you’re considering what it truly means to find yourself in Christ. Wherever you are in that journey, we believe God wants to meet you there, and we’re praying this conversation will bring you a sense of freedom and peace.
Part 1: The Identity Crisis
The False Labels We Wear
As much as we might know in our heads that our identity is found in Christ, it’s easy to get distracted by the world around us. From culture to achievements, relationships, and even trauma, we often let these things define who we are.
Culture tells us: “Be whoever you want to be.”
Achievements say: “You are what you do.”
Relationships tell us: “You are who others say you are.”
Trauma whispers: “You are what’s happened to you.”
Each of these false identities can leave us feeling trapped. We strive for validation, we compare ourselves to others, and we keep chasing success—only to realize it leaves us empty.
I remember a time in my life when I was defining myself by my job title. I was outwardly successful, but inwardly, I was miserable. I had attached my worth to what I did, and when that didn’t fulfill me, I found myself questioning everything. It wasn’t until I let go of that identity and leaned into who I am in Christ that I started to feel free.
When Life Shakes You, What’s Left?
What happens when the things we’ve built our identity around get taken away? For some, it’s career changes, for others, it’s the shifting of seasons—like motherhood or loss. When these external markers are stripped away, we often find ourselves in an identity crisis.
It’s a vulnerable place, and it’s easy to feel like God has abandoned us in those moments. But the truth is: God allows these things to be shaken to help us re-center on what’s eternal. When everything else crumbles, the only thing that remains is who we are in Christ. This is the foundation we can build our lives on.
Part 2: Who God Actually Says You Are
God’s Definition of You is Not Based on Your Performance
One of the hardest truths to grasp is this: your worth is not earned. In a world where performance and success are everything, it’s hard to imagine that we’re loved by God simply for being His children—not for what we do.
The moment of Jesus’ baptism in Matthew 3:16-17 stands as a powerful reminder of this truth. Jesus had not yet performed any miracles. He hadn’t healed anyone, walked on water, or died for our sins—but before He did anything, the Father declared, “This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased.”
This is identity before action. Jesus didn’t need to prove Himself to earn God’s love. And yet, many of us struggle to accept that we are loved and valued by God, not for our performance, but because of whose we are.
Why Do We Struggle to Receive This Kind of Love?
Even when we know in our heads that God loves us, it’s easy to feel unworthy of that love. We might struggle to believe it’s for us, especially when we’ve messed up or fallen short. But Romans 5:8 reminds us that “while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
His love is not dependent on our actions—it’s based on who He is. God doesn’t love us because we’re perfect; He loves us because He’s perfect.
Trading Striving for Sonship
The greatest identity shift comes when we stop striving to earn God’s love and begin to walk in our identity as His daughters. In the parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15), both sons misunderstood the Father’s heart. The younger son thought he had lost his place because of his rebellion, while the older son thought his obedience earned him favor.
But when the younger son returned home, the father didn’t ask him to prove himself. Instead, he embraced him, reaffirming his sonship. We, too, are invited to stop striving and start receiving the love and acceptance that is freely offered to us as children of God.
Part 3: Walking in Purpose from a Place of Identity
What If Purpose Isn’t What You Think?
Many of us chase purpose like it's a destination we need to arrive at. But what if purpose isn’t something we need to achieve—it’s something we receive as we walk in our identity in Christ?
Peter, a fisherman by trade, thought his purpose was to catch fish. But when Jesus called him to follow Him, He revealed a greater purpose: to fish for men. Peter’s true purpose wasn’t tied to his job; it was tied to who he followed.
Your purpose, too, isn’t defined by your job title or your achievements—it’s rooted in your relationship with Jesus.
Purpose Isn’t Achieved; It’s Received
Purpose isn’t a future destination; it’s a present posture. When we abide in Christ, we don’t have to chase purpose—it follows us.
John 15:5 says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from Me, you can do nothing.” When we stay connected to Jesus, purpose naturally flows from our relationship with Him.
Purpose Is Birthed in the Secret Place
Finally, purpose isn’t found in platforms or titles—it’s found in the secret place, in our intimate relationship with God. Moses spent 40 years in the wilderness before leading Israel. The waiting seasons are often where God prepares us for our true purpose.
Closing & Takeaways
If you’re feeling lost, know this: Jesus sees you. He knows exactly who you are, even when you don’t. Your identity is secure in Him, and your purpose is being revealed in the process of following Him.
Take a moment to reflect: What is one false identity you’ve been holding onto that you need to lay down? Ask God to show you the lies you’ve believed about yourself and replace them with His truth.
And remember, purpose isn’t something you have to chase—it’s something you receive by abiding in Christ.
Challenge for the Week:
Spend time in the Word, specifically in Ephesians 1, and ask God to reveal the lies you've believed about yourself. Replace those lies with His truth, and let that shape your identity and your purpose in Him.