When his wife saw the situation transpire ahead of her, she pulled herself and their children out of line. Who knew if their passports might be “marked” too? Unexpected situations expose where our identity is found. Who defines you? Who or what is the basis of your identity? I propose we must believe what our Creator says about us. We must let His Word, and His alone, define who we are. And what does He say?
“For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession.” (Deut 7:6)
“From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live.” (Acts 17:26) 
In a podcast series on Biblical Self-Care, Dayle Annand and I discussed lies that limit our self-care. One of the lies had to do with this concept of identity.
Here’s a paraphrase of Dayle’s thoughtful insight:
What defines the value of a piece of art?
Let’s consider Da Vinci’s Last Supper. Let’s say today there is someone as, or more, talented then Da Vinci. And let’s say this artist determines to duplicate Da Vinci’s Last Supper. He does an amazing job. To an untrained eye, you could not distinguish the duplicate from the original. Then let’s say that each piece is for sale. One would be of great value, yet the other would be priceless. Why? Because it is the creator who gives the art it’s value. It’s deeper than the art itself (though it is wonderful).
And who or what gives you your worth and value?
You are created by God in His image! 
He is the Master Artist, and you are the art of His skilled hand.
He has made you on purpose, for a purpose. He knit you together in your mother’s womb. (Ps 139) He chose the specific time, and exact place for you to live. (Acts 17:26) He set you apart as His own. (Deut 7:6, John 1:12, 1 Pet 2:9) Then, so He could have unhindered relationship with you, He died for you. (John 3:16) You are loved. You are valued. Do not let your spouse, parent, friend, role, affiliation, or anyone, or anything else define you.
What has this situation revealed about this couple’s identity?
In their own words… “None of this is what we would have chosen. It didn’t take long, however, to pivot and ask a question we have continued to ask since: what does this make possible?” I teared up when I first read it as I reflected on their unwavering commitment to, and identity in, Christ alone. 
The situation did not send them into a tailspin.
They didn’t ignore the feelings of shock, anger, and sadness that arose. Yet their Lord determines their value and their way. They submitted to Him, and He has seen them through. By God’s grace, they are together again, continuing to serve the Lord, from yet another country. Who defines you? Believe what your Creator says about you. Let His Word, and His alone, define who you are. You will be better for it. © Sanctuary of Home™ All Rights Reserved
All Scripture references, unless otherwise indicated, are from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
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