And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. (Genesis 1:26, KJV)

Understanding God’s purpose for your life is deeply rooted in knowing, believing, and being anchored in your identity. This essential connection between identity and destiny was established at the dawn of creation, as depicted in Genesis 1:26.

In this profound scripture, the Lord not only created man in His image and likeness, defining our identity but also bestowed upon us the privilege of dominion over the earth, outlining our destiny. This dominion was not a skill to be learned; it was inherent in the very DNA of humanity, a manifestation of being made in God’s likeness.

However, the fall of man through sin distorted this divine identity, and with it, our inherent dominion was compromised. It was not a lack of knowledge or training in dominion that was the issue; rather, it was a fundamental alteration in our nature, the core of our dominion.

When Jesus, often referred to as the last Adam, entered the scene, Satan employed a similar strategy as he did in Eden. He targeted Jesus’ identity, questioning, “If You are the Son of God.” This highlights the critical importance of identity in our spiritual battles.

As Christians, our identity in Christ is intricately linked to the divine purpose for our lives. Knowing, believing, and walking in this identity is not just important – it’s crucial. Similarly, Satan’s tactics often involve assaulting our identity, as he did with Jesus, to derail us from our God-ordained destiny.

Have you ever doubted your salvation or questioned God’s love for you? Felt persistently guilty or self-condemning? These are more than fleeting thoughts; they are strategic attacks aimed at the core of your identity, intending to weaken your faith and disrupt your destiny.

Understanding the true nature of these assaults equips you to stand firm against them.

Meditate

Contemplate how Adam’s identity was intrinsically linked to his purpose. What does this reveal about the relationship between who we are in Christ and our life’s calling?

Apply the Word

Embrace your foremost identity in Christ as a Child of God, a son or daughter of the Most High. Root yourself deeply in this truth, and watch as your destiny unfolds naturally from this foundation.

Pray

Seek the Father’s guidance in safeguarding your identity in Christ, and ask for His wisdom in realizing the destiny He has planned for you.

Recommended

• Finding Your Identity and Purpose in the Scriptures
• If You are The Son of God
• The Fiercest Spiritual Attack in Human History
• The Image of the Invisible God
• How God Adopts His Children
• View All Deshen Daily Devotionals

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