Difficulties to Development: The Second D – Define
We all know that life’s storms can bring external hardship. But often, the most insidious damage isn’t visible—it happens within our minds and hearts. When trials hit hard, those shadows of self-doubt and negativity start to define us. Suddenly our core identity, rooted in Christ, seems obscured by labels born out of pain, failure, or insecurity. Today, let’s shine a light into those shadows and explore how to reclaim the truth of who we are.
Beyond the Shadow of Struggle
Adversity has a way of distorting our self-perception. It hijacks our thoughts, magnifying our flaws and diminishing our strengths. Those familiar lies creep in: “You’re unworthy of love,” “This pain means you’re not good enough,” or worse, “You’ll always struggle with this.” These lies fight to become our definition, and it’s an internal battleground where our true identity is at stake.
Yet, Scripture offers a counter-narrative of profound hope. Psalm 139:14 declares, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” This isn’t just a fluffy sentiment; it’s the truth of who we are at the core. Despite the negativity hardship tries to plant, we are intricately crafted by God, formed with love and infused with purpose.
Reflection
Can you think of a time when hardship clouded your identity? I know I can. Maybe it was a colossal mistake, a painful rejection, or a long, grueling season. How did that temporary definition, that voice born of struggle, start to impact your view of yourself, your choices, or your relationships? Taking time to reflect is the first step toward reclaiming the truth.
Actionable Steps
Reclaim Your Identity: Those lies whispered by adversity need to be replaced by the unshakeable truth of God’s Word. Create a list of Scripture-based affirmations about who you are (e.g., “I am a child of God,” “I am forgiven,” “I am equipped for my purpose”). These words are weapons against the distortions adversity tries to impose.
Pray for Perspective: Talk to God! Be honest about the struggle. Write a heartfelt prayer asking Him to reveal His perspective on you. Emphasize that your worth is unchangeable despite temporary trials and that you long to view yourself as He does.
Find Your Tribe: Identify people in your life who speak truth and encouragement. These might be close friends, family, a mentor, or members of your church community. Be intentional about seeking their support during hard times. Let them remind you of who you are in Christ when your own vision becomes blurred.
Reframe Your Narrative: Challenge yourself to find a glimmer of growth—even in the midst of struggle. Instead of asking, “Why is this happening to me?” try asking, “What can I learn from this? How can this experience shape me into a stronger, more compassionate person?”
A Personal Example
A few years ago, through Covid we struggled as a community and as individuals. I found that so many of my conversations were about people letting their circumstances define them. I know I began feeling utterly defined by that setback. But it was through persistent prayer and leaning into my faith community that I began to shed that lie and helped others do the same. We started asking ourselves what defines us and as we looked back to an unchanging God we realized that our circumstances might be different but our God was not! God showed me that His definition of me was rooted in grace and purpose, not the outcome of earthly circumstances.
Call to Action
How has adversity tried to define you? Have you found ways to reclaim your identity in Christ in those moments? Who are the people in your life who help speak truth over you? How have you learned to reframe your struggles into opportunities? Share your experiences in the comments below! We’re stronger together. Let’s encourage and learn from one another as we navigate these challenges.Our next post will tackle the third D—Divert—exploring how hardships can throw us off track and how to get back on the path God has planned.
