2026 Sacred Whispers Blog

“According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love.”

Ephesians 1:4

WHEN IDENTITY FEELS UNCERTAIN

There are moments in life when we look in the mirror and barely recognize the person staring back at us, not because of how we look, but because of the weight of what we’ve been through. The labels we’ve worn. The lies we’ve believed. The failures that seem to speak louder than our faith. In those quiet internal moments, identity feels fragile, and our reflection feels more like a collage of wounds than a testimony of grace. We ask quietly, sometimes desperately, “Who am I?”

The world is loud in its answers. It defines us by our mistakes, our status, our scars, or our successes. But none of those voices are true. When we open the pages of Scripture, we hear another voice, gentle yet unshakable, the voice of Jesus reminding us who we are in Him.

Sometimes identity-shaking moments come not only from what life has done to us, but from what life has demanded of us. History tells us of a young African bishop named Augustine who, before becoming one of the most influential theologians in church history, lived in deep confusion about who he was. He pursued pleasure, ambition, and affirmation, trying to answer the question “Who am I?” through the world’s loud definitions. But one afternoon, he heard a child’s voice singing, “Take and read.” He picked up the book of Romans and encountered a God who named him beloved, chosen, and called. Augustine later wrote, “You have made us for Yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You.” His story shows us that identity is not discovered inside ourselves, it is received from the God who formed us.

THE GOD WHO NAMES US

The apostle Paul wrote to the believers in Ephesus to remind them of this very truth. Many of them had come from dark, broken backgrounds, and they were still learning to live in the light of God’s grace. Paul’s words still echo across time and into our hearts: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: according as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world.” (Ephesians 1:3–4) Before you were born. Before you failed. Before you even took your first breath, He chose you.

You are not an accident nor a mistake. You are not the sum of the worst things you’ve done. You are chosen, redeemed, and loved by God Himself. His choosing is not based on your worthiness but on His willingness to love you without conditions. The God who spoke galaxies into existence spoke identity over your life before your life even began.

• When life shouts, “You’re not enough,” His Word declares, “Ye are complete in him.” (Colossians 2:10)
• When shame whispers, “You’re unworthy,” He reminds you, “You are accepted in the beloved.” (Ephesians 1:6)
• When fear says, “You’re alone,” He answers, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” (Hebrews 13:5)

Who are you? You are His.

THE BEAUTY OF BEING GOD’S WORKMANSHIP

The same God who spoke light into darkness has spoken identity into your soul. He calls you chosen, holy, beloved, and His own workmanship. “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works.” (Ephesians 2:10) Your life carries the imprint of a Creator who crafted you with intention and breathed purpose into your existence.

You were created on purpose, for purpose. Every scar tells a story that grace has rewritten. Every tear has been seen. Every failure has been redeemed by the One who holds your name in His hands. Where others see flaws, God sees formation. Where others see wounds, God sees a canvas for His glory.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer once wrote in his book Life Together, “The person we are in the eyes of God, that is who we truly are.” That single sentence has carried generations through seasons of confusion and insecurity, reminding us that no earthly label can contradict a heavenly identity.

SEEING YOURSELF AS GOD SEES YOU

As you fast and pray today, ask the Lord to help you see yourself the way He sees you, not through the lens of your past, but through the lens of His promise. Let His truth wash over every false identity you’ve carried. The Book of Ephesians was written with the distinct purpose in mind to remind us who we are in Christ, according to His abundant and unconditional grace. Paul writes with passion and precision these truths:

• You are chosen. (Ephesians 1:4)
• You are redeemed. (Ephesians 1:7)
• You are loved. (Ephesians 2:4–5)
• You are His. (Ephesians 1:13–14)

When these truths begin to settle in your heart, identity becomes less of a question and more of a declaration. You no longer ask, “Who am I?” because the answer has already been spoken by the One who cannot lie.

PRAYER

Father, thank You for reminding me who I am in You. Forgive me for the times I’ve believed lies about my worth. Help me to see myself through Your eyes, chosen, redeemed, and loved. Heal the parts of me that still cling to shame or doubt. Let Your truth define me more than my past ever could. Thank You for calling me Yours. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE

Take a few moments today and write down the false names or identities you have carried, labels spoken over you, lies you believed, or fears that shaped how you saw yourself. Then open your Bible to Ephesians and write down the true names God has given you: chosen, redeemed, loved, holy, sealed, complete, His. Speak them aloud gently but intentionally. Let heaven’s vocabulary replace the world’s. As you repeat those truths, allow the Holy Spirit to settle them into the deepest parts of your identity. Return to this list throughout the fast and let your heart relearn who you truly are in Him.