{"id":2277,"date":"2025-10-07T20:58:39","date_gmt":"2025-10-07T20:58:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/?page_id=2277"},"modified":"2025-12-11T21:34:15","modified_gmt":"2025-12-11T21:34:15","slug":"defined-by-the-divine","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/defined-by-the-divine\/","title":{"rendered":"DEFINED BY THE DIVINE"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Defined by the Divine<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Exodus 3:7-12<\/p>\n\n\n\n

INTRODUCTION<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Good morning, everyone! It\u2019s great to be with you today. I believe God wants to speak something deeply personal to your heart \u2014 something that will help you see yourself the way He sees you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You may not know what\u2019s ahead, but you can know the One who goes before you \u2014 because God is already there. He knows what lies ahead for your life, and His plan is to be with you, to care for you, and to give you strength for the journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Romans 8 reminds us that He works all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. You can trust Him \u2014 He has a vested interest in your life and your future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today\u2019s message is titled \u201cDefined by the Divine.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Every generation asks it, and every heart wrestles with it: Who am I?<\/em>
It\u2019s a question that echoes from living rooms and offices, from classrooms to retirement homes. We all long to know who we truly are \u2014 and whose we are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some try to answer that question through success, relationships, or accomplishments. But none of those things ever fully satisfy. And they don\u2019t really answer the question: Who am I?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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CONTEXT<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Moses asked that same question once \u2014 right in the presence of God. As he stood barefoot before the burning bush, he heard a call that would change his life and alter the course of history:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

Exodus 3:7\u201310<\/strong> says,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering. So I have come down to rescue them\u2026 So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

After forty years in the wilderness, God says to Moses, \u201cI\u2019m not finished with you \u2014 your life still has purpose.\u201d<\/em> But Moses, overwhelmed and insecure, responds in verse 11<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

\n

\u201cWho am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s a question we all need to answer. But notice how God replies \u2014 not by describing Moses\u2019 skills or strengths, but by pointing to Himself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Exodus 3:12<\/strong> \u2014 \u201cI will be with you.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

God doesn\u2019t tell Moses who he is; He tells him whose presence will go with him. Because your identity doesn\u2019t begin with who you are<\/strong> \u2014 it begins with whose you are.<\/strong> You don\u2019t discover who you are by looking within \u2014 you discover it by looking to the One who lives within you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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1. IDENTITY BEGINS WITH GOD\u2019S PRESENCE<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When Moses asks, \u201cWho am I?\u201d God answers, \u201cI am with you.\u201d That\u2019s not a vague comfort statement \u2014 that\u2019s deep theology. God reveals the connection between identity and His presence. God shows Moses the deep connection between his identity and His presence. Because God knows Moses doesn\u2019t need to rediscover himself<\/em>\u2014he needs to rediscover his Creator.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your identity begins not with self-discovery<\/em> but with God-discovery.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The world tells you to look within to find yourself, but that\u2019s like trying to read a map that you\u2019ve drawn in pencil\u2014it keeps changing. Moses didn\u2019t find his purpose by studying his personality or strengths; he found it by standing in the presence of the great I AM.<\/em> It\u2019s only when you see God clearly that you begin to see yourself correctly. Identity isn\u2019t uncovered through introspection; it\u2019s revealed through encounter. You were created by God, for God, and until you know Him, every other definition of self will fall short.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Centuries ago, the Westminster Catechism began with a profound question: \u201cWhat is the chief end of man?\u201d
Their answer still rings true today: \u201cTo glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In other words, your highest purpose isn\u2019t to make a name for yourself but to know the Name that is above every name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s where identity begins\u2014not in striving, but in surrender; not in self-achievement, but in divine relationship.
Your identity isn\u2019t something you achieve<\/em> through effort or performance\u2014it\u2019s something you receive<\/em> through presence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It begins the moment you recognize that the One who created you now walks with you. He is not distant. He is not indifferent. The same God who called Moses by name calls you by name. The same God who said, \u201cI will be with you,\u201d says it still\u2014over your life, your calling, your future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s the foundation of your identity: not what you do, not what others think, not even how you feel\u2014but the unshakable reality that God is with you, God is for you, and God has called you His own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And that truth changes everything. When you truly believe that your life is anchored in God\u2019s presence, it settles the restless search for significance. You stop chasing labels and start living from identity instead of for identity. You no longer have to perform to prove your worth; you begin to rest in the One who gives it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A.W. Tozer <\/strong>captured it perfectly when he wrote, \u201cWhat comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

And I believe he was right\u2014because how you see God will always shape how you see yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you view Him as distant, you\u2019ll live disconnected. If you imagine Him as harsh or disappointed, you\u2019ll walk in shame and insecurity. But if you know Him as He reveals Himself\u2014faithful, gracious, near, and strong\u2014you\u2019ll begin to live confident, secure, and full of purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s what God wanted for Moses, and it\u2019s what He wants for you: to understand that your truest identity flows not from your r\u00e9sum\u00e9 or reputation, but from the relationship you have with Him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Let\u2019s contrast how the world defines identity with how God does.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The world builds identity on what constantly changes \u2014 success, appearance, feelings, relationships. It says, \u201cYou are what you do. You are what you feel. You are what others say about you.\u201d But God builds your identity on what never changes \u2014 His Word, His love, His character, His purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When I first began pastoring, an older gentleman once asked what he should call me. After a few ideas, he said, \u201cI think I\u2019ll call you Preacher Hill!<\/em>\u201d I laughed and said, \u201cI don’t think so, let’s see if we can find another option.” He meant well, but that conversation reminded me how easy it is to confuse what we do<\/em> with who we are.<\/em> In the end, he settled on “Pastor Chuck.” And I was okay with that– because, the identity of pastor seemed to express more concern and love and relationship — rather than just what I do buy way of proclamation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019re not your job title, your r\u00e9sum\u00e9, or your reputation. Your identity isn\u2019t defined by performance but by presence \u2014 God\u2019s presence in you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Isaiah 43:1<\/strong> \u2014 \u201cDo not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Colossians 3:12<\/strong> \u2014 \u201cYou are God\u2019s chosen people, holy and dearly loved.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

The world says, \u201cProve who you are.\u201d But God says, \u201cReceive who you are.\u201d So let your life be defined by His power, not your performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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2. SEE YOURSELF THE WAY GOD SEES YOU<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When Moses stood before the burning bush, his first instinct was to list all the reasons why he wasn\u2019t qualified. His words sound familiar, don\u2019t they?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWho am I?\u201d
\u201cI\u2019m not good enough.\u201d
\u201cI\u2019m not eloquent.\u201d
\u201cI\u2019ve failed before.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s the soundtrack of insecurity \u2014 the same refrain that plays in so many of our minds. We see ourselves through the lens of our limitations. But while Moses focused on what he\u00a0wasn\u2019t<\/em>, God focused on what He\u00a0was<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

God doesn\u2019t look through the same lens we do. He sees differently.
Moses saw a murderer; God saw a messenger.
Moses saw weakness; God saw potential.
Moses saw his past; God saw his purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s the truth: you will never see yourself accurately until you start seeing yourself through God\u2019s eyes.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scripture is full of examples:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • Gideon called himself the least; God called him a mighty warrior.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • David was overlooked; God chose him as king.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Peter denied Jesus; Jesus restored him and used him to lead the Church.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    James 1:23\u201325<\/strong> calls God\u2019s Word \u201ca mirror.\u201d Not a mirror that condemns, but one that reflects truth. When you look into the Word, you don\u2019t just see who you\u2019ve been \u2014 you begin to see who you\u2019re becoming in Christ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The enemy wants to use shame to label you by your past. But God uses grace to name you by your future. That\u2019s why Paul could write in Philippians 1:6<\/strong>: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cHe who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    When you see yourself the way God sees you, everything changes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    God\u2019s Word declares:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    • You are forgiven<\/em> (Ephesians 1:7).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • You are chosen<\/em> (1 Peter 2:9).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • You are His masterpiece<\/em> (Ephesians 2:10).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • You are a new creation<\/em> (2 Corinthians 5:17).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • You are His child<\/em> (John 1:12).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      Your worth isn\u2019t found in your reflection \u2014 it\u2019s found in your Redeemer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Years ago, an art collector bought what looked like a grimy, worthless painting at a flea market. But when a restorer carefully cleaned away the layers of dust, a signature emerged \u2014 Rembrandt. The value changed instantly \u2014 not because of the condition it was in, but because of the name of the one who created it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Your worth is the same. It isn\u2019t determined by your scars or imperfections; it\u2019s determined by the One whose name is written on your life. So lift your head. You are forgiven, chosen, and deeply loved. When God looks at you, He doesn\u2019t see a failure \u2014 He sees family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      And lastly, let your life be determined by the One whose image you bear:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n\n\n\n

      3. FIND YOUR IDENTITY IN CHRIST<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      When God said to Moses, \u201cI will be with you,\u201d He wasn\u2019t offering comfort for the moment \u2014 He was establishing identity for a lifetime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      That promise still stands for you today. Your truest identity isn\u2019t found by looking within \u2014 it\u2019s found by looking up. The moment you anchor your life in Christ, you stop drifting in the tides of opinion and emotion. You finally have a foundation that doesn\u2019t move.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:17<\/strong>, \u201cIf anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come.\u201d
      In other words, when you step into relationship with Jesus, your story gets rewritten.
      Your identity is no longer defined by your sin but by your Savior. No longer shaped by your past but by His promises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Let me say it clearly:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n
      • You are not what you\u00a0do<\/em>\u00a0\u2014 you are who He says you are.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • You are not what others\u00a0label<\/em>\u00a0you \u2014 you are what He\u00a0names<\/em>\u00a0you.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • You are not defined by what you\u00a0feel<\/em>\u00a0\u2014 you are defined by what is\u00a0forever true.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

        Ephesians 1:4\u20135<\/strong> paints the picture beautifully:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n

        \u201cHe chose us in Him before the creation of the world\u2026 In love He predestined us for adoption through Jesus Christ.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Before the world began, before you ever breathed your first breath, God chose you. You didn\u2019t earn your place in His family \u2014 He invited you into it.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

        In Christ, you have a new name, a new nature, and a new story. You\u2019ve been redeemed, restored, and redefined.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Romans 8:15<\/strong> says, \u201cYou have received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry, \u2018Abba, Father.\u2019\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        That means you\u2019re not a stranger or servant \u2014 you\u2019re a son, a daughter, an heir of grace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Imagine standing between two mirrors \u2014 one is the mirror of the world, the other the mirror of God\u2019s Word.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        The world\u2019s mirror says — \u201cYou\u2019re not enough.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        But, God\u2019s mirror (His Word), declares:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \u201cYou are fearfully and wonderfully made.\u201d <\/em>\u2014 Psalm 139:14<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \u201cYou are chosen and dearly loved.\u201d<\/em> \u2014 Colossians 3:12<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \u201cYou are Mine.\u201d<\/em> \u2014 Isaiah 43:1<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        The question is \u2014 which mirror will you believe? Because whichever reflection you choose to trust will ultimately shape the person you become.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        If you keep looking to the world, you\u2019ll always live in comparison and confusion. But if you fix your eyes on Christ, you\u2019ll live with clarity and conviction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        To know who you are, you must first know whose you are. And once that truth settles deep in your soul, no voice of criticism, no label of the past, no whisper of the enemy can shake your confidence in who you are in Him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        You are not defined by your failures. You are defined by your Father. And the same God who was with Moses is with you \u2014 still writing your story, still shaping your identity, still calling you by name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n\n\n\n

        CONCLUSION<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        As Moses stood on holy ground, God revealed not only who He is \u2014 but who Moses was. That\u2019s what God wants to do for you today. He says: \u201cYou are Mine. You are chosen. You are loved. And I am with you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        So let Him peel away the false labels, the insecurities, and the lies you\u2019ve believed. Let Him replace them with His truth. Because you belong to Him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n\n\n\n

        CLOSING PRAYER<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        Heavenly Father, thank You that our identity isn\u2019t found in what we\u2019ve done or what others say, but in who You are. Thank You for loving us enough to call us by name, just as You called Moses. Today, we lay down every false label and every lie that says we\u2019re not enough. We receive the truth of who we are in Christ \u2014 forgiven, chosen, loved, and Yours. Help us to see ourselves the way You see us. Teach us to live from our identity, not for it. Let our lives reflect Your image, our hearts rest in Your love, and our future be shaped by Your call. And just as You were with Moses, be with us \u2014 in every step, every season, every calling ahead. We pray this in the powerful name of Jesus \u2014 our Redeemer, our Savior, and our identity. Amen.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

        Defined by the Divine Exodus 3:7-12 INTRODUCTION Good morning, everyone! It\u2019s great to be with you today. I believe God wants to speak something deeply …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2277","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2277","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2277"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2277\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2618,"href":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2277\/revisions\/2618"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2277"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}