"A Place for Me: Discovering Our Identity, Purpose, and God's Way"

This week, as I prepared to dive into a new sermon series, I felt a deep excitement stirring within me. I was convinced it was the message we needed. Yet, despite all my planning and readiness, I couldn't shake the voice of God whispering, "Not yet." I wrestled with this. Maybe it was the pizza I had earlier in the week? But the more I tried to move forward, the more certain I became that God was calling me to pause and redirect. I realized He had something different for us this Sunday—something timely, profound, and much-needed.

Today, we are talking about purpose and identity. We’re going to reflect on how often we doubt who we are and what we’ve been created for. But I have good news: God has made a place for you.

1. Made in His Image: You Are a Child of God

Let's start here—you were made in God’s image. The Bible tells us in 1 John 3:1, "See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!" Church, do you understand the depth of this truth? You are already made in His image and likeness. From the moment of creation, God declared this over us in Genesis 1.

But here’s where the problem often arises. In Genesis 3, the enemy—the devil—deceives us into believing we’re missing something, that somehow we’re not enough as we are. He whispers lies that tell us we’re worthless or that we have to become something different to be valuable.

But God has already given us everything we need. We are His children, made in His likeness, and we carry His purpose. The enemy will always try to convince you otherwise, making you doubt who you are. But we must stand firm in this truth: We are royalty, beloved and chosen by God.

2. He Made a Way: Trust God's Faithfulness

God not only created us with purpose, but He also made a way for us to walk in that purpose—even when it seems impossible. In Isaiah 43:19, God declares, "See, I am doing a new thing!...I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland."

Just as God led the Israelites through seemingly insurmountable circumstances, He is still making a way today. Maybe you feel like your back is against the wall. Perhaps you’re dealing with pain, anxiety, or depression. But just like He did for Israel, God will make a way for you. Jesus, through His death and resurrection, has already destroyed the works of the enemy. He did that for you—so you could live in the fullness of His grace, forgiven, free, and victorious.

There’s an old song that’s been on my heart this week:

What can wash away my sin?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

There is nothing too broken for God to restore. He made a way for us to experience new life, to take our brokenness, shame, and fear and transform it into hope, healing, and wholeness.

3. He Gave Us Purpose: Loving One Another

Not only did God create us with care, but He also gave us a calling—to love others as He has loved us. He made you with a specific purpose, one that’s uniquely yours. We’re called to share the love of Christ with our families, friends, coworkers, and even strangers. In 1 John 3:11-12, we’re reminded to love one another and not allow bitterness or hatred to take root.

In a world where people are constantly searching for love, peace, and joy, we, as God’s children, are called to point them to the source. It’s not found in money, relationships, or social status. True satisfaction and joy come from a relationship with Jesus. When people encounter us, they should see the love of Christ shining through.

A Challenge for Us

So, where do we go from here? We have to ask ourselves, "Am I letting my faith in God change my life, or am I simply using my faith to justify my life?"

When I was training for basketball, I let that training dictate my choices, from what I ate to how I lived. But now, if I go to the gym, it’s easy to use it as an excuse—"I worked out, so I can eat that." But that’s not how we should approach our relationship with God. Spiritual people let spiritual things change their life; carnal people want spiritual things to bless their life. Which are we?

In our Christian walk, we must allow the truth of God’s Word to transform us—not just on Sundays but in every aspect of our lives. Look to the source—Jesus, the resurrection and the life. He is where our hope lies, and His Word is our guide.

Conclusion: A Place for You

God has made a place for you, not just in this world but in His eternal kingdom. You are not forgotten, overlooked, or insignificant. He made you in His image, He has made a way for you, and He has given you a purpose. So, let’s live in that truth today and every day.

Let’s love as He has loved us. Let’s walk in the purpose He’s given us. And let’s always remember, when we feel lost or unsure, God has made a way.