Identity Crisis

Pastor Hilton preaches from 2 Corinthians 5:17, declaring that in Christ we become new creatures, with old things passed away and all things made new. He addresses the identity crisis many believers face, drawing from the story of Jacob, who was named a supplanter and deceiver. Jacob lived up to that name, manipulating and lying to get his way. Yet God loved Jacob and chose him, because Jacob was willing to let God change his identity. In Genesis 32, Jacob wrestled with an angel all night. When the angel asked his name, Jacob admitted, 'Jacob'—confessing who he was. The angel then renamed him Israel, meaning 'God prevails.' Pastor Hilton explains that Jacob's old way of prevailing through deceit was ended; now God Himself would be the source of victory. This illustrates that God has a new identity for every believer, regardless of past labels or failures. God is no respecter of persons; He wants to redefine us as He did Jacob. The pastor shares how many people look in the mirror and feel disassociation from who they have become, but God offers a new identity through the new birth. He urges listeners to lay down their own definitions and let God shape them on the potter's wheel, allowing Him to prevail in their lives. The altar is opened for those who are tired of wrestling in their own strength and ready to receive the new name and purpose God has for them.