Another worthy insight from Paul Miller's 'J-Curve' book:
Miller points out how often we get our identity from associations we have in the world.
For example, if you went to a big name school -- like Harvard -- it's easy to see yourself as better than others.
Or if you're at varsity level in some sport, you're tempted to take pride and find your value in what a great athlete you are.
Similar things can be said if you're into a money-making business... or health and fitness.
But...
What if you don't get into the Ivy League School and go to an average state school?
Or what if you get cut from the team?
Or your business goes south... or your health fails?
What happens to your identity then?
If your identity is wrapped up in these things, it gets shattered.
But if you find your identity in Christ, disappointments become just part of the journey with Him... while who you are as a person remains intact.
This life will surely bring devastating reversals and unmet expectations.
Yet these experiences need not define you.
Because as we find our life in Christ, He's always raising us into something new... even though what we hoped for may die.
So if something you've hoped for has died, keep looking for a resurrection. It's likely right around the corner.
"I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me" (Gal.2:20).