Dr. Floyd Godfrey
In a world that often defines us by our achievements, failures, or the opinions of others, the need for rooted identity is more urgent than ever. Zach Clinton (2024) offers a powerful reminder: “There’s peace and confident expectation that comes in knowing who you are by first remembering whose you are” (p. 68). This truth forms the bedrock of the Christian life: our identity is not self-created, but God-given.
We are God’s children—redeemed, chosen, and loved. That truth anchors us when trials come. When our reputation is attacked, when our strength feels spent, or when we suffer unjustly, knowing whose we are gives us the courage to stand firm. The Apostle Paul echoes this identity-centered resilience in Romans 8:38–39 (NIV):
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers… will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
This kind of steadfast faith is not merely theological—it is lived out in history, often through the remarkable endurance of believers who faced persecution and suffering. One such example, as highlighted by Clinton (2024), is Joan of Arc. At just nineteen, Joan was wrongfully convicted of witchcraft and sentenced to death. According to witness accounts, “as the flames engulfed her, Joan sang praises to God and asked for a cross to be held in front of her face as she called out to Jesus” (p. 69).
Her story is not just one of martyrdom—it is one of Christian stamina rooted in divine identity. Joan knew whose she was. Her final moments were not filled with fear or anger, but with worship and devotion. She drew strength from her relationship with Christ, even in the face of injustice and death.
For pastors, parents, and anyone guiding others through life’s storms, this offers a critical teaching: identity in Christ is not a theological accessory—it’s a spiritual anchor. When young people know they belong to God, they are less shaken by cultural pressures, criticism, or failure. And when adults face discouragement or pain, remembering that we are God’s children can rekindle both peace and purpose.
Today’s culture often encourages people to look inward to discover who they are. But Scripture and the lives of faithful Christians throughout history teach us the opposite: look upward first. When we remember whose we are, we gain the courage to face whatever lies ahead—whether it’s the fire of criticism, the valley of grief, or the weight of responsibility.
May we, like Joan of Arc, find strength not in our circumstances, but in our Savior. May we sing in the fire because we are secure in the One who holds us.
Reference
Clinton, Z. (2024). Even if – Developing the faith, mindset, strength and endurance of those who are built different. American Association of Christian Counselors Publishing.
Floyd Godfrey PhD is a Board Certified Christian Counselor and has facilitated groups within different churches and denominations over the past 30 years. He worked as a licensed clinician for 23 years and provided supervision and training for other counselors as they worked toward independent licensure. You can read more about Floyd Godfrey PhD at www.FloydGodfrey.com.
