Just this morning, I talked with a sweet friend. We agreed how godly perspective changes everything. She then told me that God had used a shift in her mindset to set her free from years-long anguish. Specifically, it was when her perspective changed from victim to testimony-sharer that she gained freedom. An adjustment in perspective can allow any of us to experience life in a new way.
We’re currently living in uncertain times and many people right now feel confused, insecure, and fearful. Like my friend, those who feel that way need to be set free. I believe the key to this is to know and understand our identity in Christ. It’s the ultimate way to change our perspectives. Who we are in him affects how we see and react to everything. Instead of feeling confused, we can focus on the things we’re certain of— like his consistent fathering. Instead of feeling insecure, we can thank God that we have security in Christ. And rather than being afraid, we can courageously cling to God’s promises and truths.
So just who are we, really? Foremost, as believers, we are the Father’s adopted daughters. We know that God has only one begotten son, Jesus. Hence, when we became Christians, God adopted us into his family (Galatians 4:4-5). Then, we became the Father’s child and a co-heir with Jesus. Isn’t that amazing? We’ve joined Christ in receiving all that has been promised as his inheritance (Galatians 4:7). How remarkable!
“Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory” (Romans 8:17).
Being a child of God carries so much promise, joy, and hope. It is a beautiful thing that never changes, no matter what is changing around us or how much we suffer. And the sufferings we experience and the trials we face serve to refine us into a Christlike image. God promises that we’ll share in Christ’s glory. Wow!
Sisters, God is the perfect Heavenly Father. It is in God’s perfect fathering that we see how he:
- Loves us (John 3:16)
- Seeks us out (Luke 19:10)
- Accepts us (Romans 10:9-13)
- Justifies us— declares us righteous (Romans 3:21-26)
- Frees us from sin’s domain and power (Romans 6:2-14)
- Welcomes us into the family of believers (1 John 1:5-10
- Disciplines us when we need correction (Hebrews 12:6)
- Guides us (Proverbs 3:6)
- Matures us to be more like Jesus (Ephesians 4:13-15)
Being God’s Child Changes Our View
Having a loving Father as our authority figure also reminds us to obey. Today looks different when we remember that we’re accountable to God for our actions. Fear? Worry? Chaos? We are accountable for how we react. Thankfully, God hasn’t left us to our own devices to fight these feelings, but instead has given us the beautiful gift of his Holy Spirit to grow the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
As God’s child, we learn not to look to this world for hope, security, or fulfillment – instead, we know to look to God. When the world seems like shifting sand, we remember that our feet are anchored securely on the rock.
Trials, tests, and the difficulties of life take on a different hue when we know we have a loving Father. Sadly, hardships are a fact of life in this fallen world, yet we experience them with a loving Father beside us, helping us and guiding us through. The trials we face not only refine us, but they can also wean us from an unhealthy love for this world. They ready us for an eternity with God in heaven.
Yes, when our perspective changes, we gain freedom from fears, worries, and struggles. We can focus, instead, on our spiritual walk and our eternity. Being co-heirs with Christ offers us the hope of a rich, spiritual inheritance and an eternity in heaven with the Lord.
There may not be much earthly security in these uncertain days. But you know what? Our eternity is secured by God’s greatest gift: Jesus! And that perspective changes everything.
Ali Shaw can’t believe how blessed life is! As a Central Texas wife, momma, and new grandma, Ali leads a full, grace-filled life. She serves the SBTC as the women’s ministry volunteer for zone s1, and is the women’s ministry leader for her local church, owns and writes for DoNotDepart.com, and serves as the HelloMornings Bible Study Director… and is generally in awe that God will use a regular girl like her. Woven with practical insight, her writing encourages women to seek God daily through the reading and study of his Word.
