Identity Truths

“How are you really doing?” I felt the genuine concern for my well-being as my dear friend and sister in Christ, Kenzie, asked me this question. All it took was five words—spoken with such compassion and care—to gently expose the heaviness in my heart I was trying so hard to conceal and deal with on my own. Before I had the chance to lie to her and tell her that I was fine, I heard the following words echo in my thoughts: “Choosing to lie to yourself is like pursuing death.” These convicting words of truth could have only come from the Spirit Himself. In that moment I knew I needed to be honest with Kenzie and to allow light to expose the darkness in which I was drowning. So, I confessed my ongoing struggles with body image and food restriction and how disappointed I was with myself for relapsing.

I told her that I knew God’s truth but could not understand why I was still struggling. She responded by saying, “Melissa, God’s truth isn’t just something to know, but to live and experience.” She prayed for me that the Lord would help me live and experience the truths that I know. And since that conversation, I have seen the reality of God’s Truth slowly move from my head to my heart—from concepts I understand to convictions I live by.

One of the truths that I have been resting in is the truth of who I really am in Christ. The Bible reveals truths about us that never change (even when our thoughts scream the opposite!). Our identity as believers (which has nothing to do with our appearance) is locked in, affirmed, and secured by Christ. I encourage you to read Ephesians 1:3-13 and write down everything it says you are in Christ (be encouraged because the list is long!).

 “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love  he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—  to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace  that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.  In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit,” Ephesians 1:3-13 (NIV)

Now, when I am tempted to engage in eating disorder behaviors that feel safe and familiar, instead of giving in to the desires that drive me away from God, I allow the conviction of the Holy Spirit to draw me closer to God for restoration and healing. I tell myself that this unhealthy choice I am about to make is not who I am in Christ. I am chosen, holy, and dearly loved by my Father (Col. 3:12). And please know this, daughter of God: if you fall back into patterns of thinking and behavior that don’t align with your true identity, be quick to run to God in repentance instead of avoiding Him in shame. You will always be met with His grace, His mercy, and His unending love.

Melissa

Servant of Christ. Bible Lover. Chronic Overthinker. Recovering People Pleaser. Overcomer.

Could you relate to this story? Maybe parts of it felt familiar or reminded you that others truly understand what you're walking through. That's why we created the Hello, Freedom! Community, a safe space where women gather to find freedom from eating disorders and food and body image struggles in Christ-centered community.

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FINDINGbalance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization providing non-clinical support and encouragement to those battling food issues. The contents of this blog article, including any attachments, are for educational purposes only and are not intended to diagnose, treat, or prescribe a particular course of action. If you or someone you care about is battling an eating disorder, please seek care from a licensed professional. If you are in crisis and need immediate support, please call, text, or chat 988 to speak with someone at the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, 24/7.