Hello and welcome to Pathway to Freedom by the Life by Design. I'm your host, Virireader Harry, also known as Vee, and I'm so glad you're here. This podcast is a space for us to uncover God's original blueprint for life so you can walk in the freedom he intended for you from the very beginning. Each week we'll explore faith, family, finances, health, purpose, and much more. Why? Because you were created in his image on purpose and for purpose. Be sure to follow so you never miss an episode. Greetings and welcome back to Pathway to Freedom by the Life by Design. I'm your host, Vee Harry. Here, we rediscover God's blueprint for who we are and how we live. In our last episode, we went back to the very beginning to uncover why identity matters, how God designed us, how it was lost, and how He made a way for restoration through Jesus Christ. That was the foundation. Today we're continuing with the second prelude before we launch into the full identity series. And this time we're going to be taking a look at the power of knowing your identity. Because when you know who you are, you gain both clarity and direction for your life. Think about this for a moment. Have you ever stepped out of a hot shower and looked into the mirror only to find it completely fogged up? You're standing there, but you can't really see yourself. It's just a blur. That's how life feels when we let lies, distractions, or the noise of the world cloud our view. But when we turn to God's word, it's like wiping that mirror clean. Suddenly the fog lifts and clarity comes. You see who you really are. Genesis chapter 1, verse 27 says, So God created mankind in his own image. In the image of God, he created them. Male and female, he created them. Our identity begins here. It does not begin in achievements, opinions, or even our past, but in being made in his image. James chapter 1 verses 23 through 25 tells us that God's word is our mirror. That is what we should be looking at. And when we look into it, here's what we see. John chapter 1 verse 12. But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. Identity. Identity. You have the mind of Christ. That's clarity. It breaks the false labels and lifts the fog. Here's a reflection question for you. What false labels have you been living under that God never gave you? How have you identified yourself? Write these down and then replace them with what God's word says about you. See, once you see yourself clearly, direction follows. To see yourself clearly, it is not about self-analysis or human labels. It's not about you figuring out who you are. That's what it's not about. It's about accepting the truth of who you are in Christ. You are a child of God. John chapter 1, verse 12. That's the starting line for every decision, every step, and every direction in life. When you begin with identity, who God says you are, your choices began to align with his truth. If you see yourself as redeemed, you live like someone set free. If you see yourself as beloved, you stop striving for human approval. If you see yourself as a child of God, you no longer chase false labels like I'm a workaholic, I'm a procrastinator, I'm an NFL player, I'm just a warrior. You get what I'm saying. Instead of being shaped by the world's temporary identities, job titles, performance, failures, or even success, you move from a foundation that doesn't shift. You see, these when you have your identity rooted in things that change, that's not a solid foundation. It's ever-changing. So this is why the proper identity, your true identity in Christ is going to bring stability to your life. Identity drives decisions. Decisions create direction. Direction shapes destiny. You hear me? Identity drives decisions. Decisions create direction. Direction shapes destiny. That's why the clear the key. That's why the key to clarity in your life's path is not first asking, where am I going, but who am I in Christ? That's the beginning. Once you anchor in that truth, the direction begins to unfold. Psalms 37, verse 23 says, The Lord directs the steps of the godly. And Proverbs chapter 3, verse 5 through 6 reminds us, trust in the Lord with all your heart. Do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take. Knowing who you are positions you to know where you're going because God orders the steps of those who trust in Him. Have another question for you. Where in your life do you feel lost? Do you feel like you lack direction? How might aligning your identity with God's word shift that for you? Think about that for a minute. Here are three practical steps you can take this week to walk in clarity and direction. Identity truths. Write down three scriptures that remind you of who you are in Christ. Clarity prayer. Ask God to reveal any lies or distractions clouding your vision. And number three, I want you to begin each day with one scripture as your guiding compass. Father, thank you that our identity is found in you alone. Bring clarity where there has been confusion and direction where there has been wandering. Order our steps as we walk boldly in who you created us to be. In Jesus' name. Amen. This brings us to an end of our two-part prelude on identity. In the first episode, we uncovered why identity matters by going back to the beginning. Today, we discovered the power of knowing our identity and how it shapes clarity and direction. Next week, we officially launch our four-part identity series. We'll be digging deeper into what it truly means to live as sons and daughters of God, how embracing his truth transforms every area of life. You don't want to miss it. If today's episode encouraged you, be sure to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs this message. Until next time, walk boldly in his design and embrace the freedom he intended for you.