Finding Yourself Through Christ: A Devotional on Relationships, Renewal, and Purpose

By Jamie Bateman

Relationships are funny. Some can be great, others you may look at and know that God has a sense of humor for putting you in connection with that person. For the most part, however, we were made to have relationships with others, and most importantly, with Christ.

If you were to think through your life, can you pick out those who had a major role in where you are today? A supporting loved one, a new-found bestie, or maybe someone who you were once close with but feel the pull to reconnect with them again. Relationships are the key to who we are. God created us this way! By having those connections and friendships, we’re not only building our tribe, but we’re also creating a way for us to share with others. Share in their joys, their sadness, their grief, and their opportunities…a way to share Jesus. To share what God has done in and through you.

So, what’s your story? How has your relationship with God transformed who you are and helped you become the person who reads this devotional, today? Or perhaps you’re on the verge of wanting that type of relationship with Him so you can see, firsthand, all that He is getting ready to do for you.

Romans 4:21

Being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.

You know when it’s a good devotional when in two separate areas of research (neither of which are connected to the other) both reference a Bible verse that connects back to today.

This…

2 Corinthians 5:17

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

God doesn’t just save our souls for eternity. He also renews us, right here, right now. Your story has the opportunity to impact someone else’s story. Why? Because there is power in telling others how Christ has made YOU new.

So, what’s your new? What has Christ done in you that has made you feel or know that He is doing something spectacular in your life?

Psalm 37:6

He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.

God is leading us along a way that is uniquely right for each of us. The closer to Him that we grow, the more fully we become our true self, the one He designed us to be.

Philippians 1:6

Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Each of us was made in His image, yes, but we were also created to be one of a kind and the path that He has called each of us to diverges increasingly from that of other people. But even though it may be different, He still enables us to follow our paths while staying in close contact with others. In fact, the more completely you devote yourself to Him, the more freely you can love other people.

Ephesians 2:10

For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

So, who can you love today?

Who can you share your story with?

Who has God placed on your heart that you need to stop procrastinating and just pick up the phone, call them, and say ‘hey, I’ve been thinking about you’.

1 John 4:7-8

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.

Take a minute and just marvel at the beauty of a life intertwined with His Presence. Rejoice as you journey together in intimate communion with Him.

John 15:4

Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

Now, enjoy the adventure of finding yourself through losing yourself in Him.