Read John 1:35-42
Peter was one of the first people to be called as one of Jesus’ disciples. Jesus called him away from the only occupation he knew. Jesus asked Peter to follow Him on an unknown journey of surrender. In his first encounter with Peter, Jesus assigned him a new name, Cephas. His new name identified him as a rock. Therefore, Jesus wasn’t simply calling Peter to follow Him. Jesus was giving Peter a new identity that would be directly associated with his new name. This was a powerful first encounter that defined the life of Peter from that point forward. He was far from perfect, but he proved to be solid at the foundation of his life.
Similarly, your view of your identity has a powerful influence on your life.
In other words, it could be asserted that our actions often follow our identity. So, how we view ourselves to be can have powerful influence on the course of our lives. Likewise, Jesus was saying to Peter that he will be a rock, with a new identity, a new purpose and a new strength that would be beyond himself as he surrendered to the Lordship of Jesus. Jesus knew that Peter would need to have courage and determination to follow the call. Most importantly, Peter would find that help in a relationship with Jesus. In addition, Jesus connected this understanding with the very name of Peter in a way that became his identity in Christ – a rock.
Are you being called away from your old ways of life to a new identity?
What about you as your venture through your journey of weight loss? Are you being called away from your old way of life to embark on a new journey that is joined with a new identity and purpose in this area? Just like Peter, your journey will require courage and determination as you embrace surrender and find strength in God. Most importantly, are you ready to accept the call, to step away from your old life, and embrace a new identity? If so, this can prove to be a game changer as you accept the challenge and solidify your commitment to a life that is calling your name!
Questions for reflection:
- What things are you being called away from, and what are you being called to as part of your weight loss?
- What would it look like for you to become a rock as you go forward?
For clients:
Schedule time each week on Thursdays at 7:15 pm for a coaching call with Dr Jeff and Dr Cindy Tanzar. You may also choose to listen to previous coaching calls found in your client portal. Use these calls as a means of gaining encouragement and equipping for weight loss.
Song:
Big Daddy Weave – All Things New https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_2aX_i4qpM