Identity Theft

Back in January I received a letter from the bank advising me I was ‘a victim of identity theft’, a fraudulent account having been opened in my name and expensive technology items purchased through direct debits on the account. It took five months of communication to prove to the technology company that I am not a fraudster and really didn’t order those items. In effect, I had to claim my true identity back, so that the debt and the black marks against my name at all the UK credit agencies could be erased.

It was a lot of hassle, but at the end of the day it was just about money. But Satan, who was undoubtedly working through the fraudster, is not just a robber of financial identity. He is a robber of spiritual identity, as Jesus warns us in John 10:10, ‘The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy’.

Satan takes advantage of situations we find ourselves in, and, for many of us in recent times, that has meant lockdown and perhaps being isolated alone, and Satan tries to whisper things like, “What’s the point in you? Wouldn’t everyone be better off without you?” For some there has been redundancy or retirement, perhaps from a vital role in the workplace. For others, perhaps you felt you had something to give when you were at work, but at home, Satan whispers, “What have you got to give now? You’re no good to anyone!” He also tries to exploit the empty nest or widowhood, saying, “You had a purpose when you were looking after the children (or your husband or wife) … what’s the point in you now?”

Satan is cruel, capitalising on painful experiences. If we’ve been criticised or had harsh words spoken against us, been misunderstood, overlooked, uncared for by others or let down, he is right there, “You’re not worth bothering with! No-one cares! Why would they?” There’s no doubt – He is a robber of our identity.

But there is good news! We are not powerless victims to Satan! We can stand against him and his armoury of lies. But it does take spiritual muscle. And sometimes it can be easier to sink into pain, loneliness and fears, or run from them, escaping into TV, the internet, a glass of wine, keeping busy or something else. Sadly, escapes are just more of Satan’s tricks to trap us into addictive lifestyles that ultimately cause even more misery.

Turning to our loving Father God for His comfort and strength to counter Satan’s lies with God’s truth is the way to go. However, sad, lonely or worthless we might be feeling, however victimised we might have been, let’s exercise spiritual muscles today, focussing on truth, not lies, blocking the thief and claiming our true identity back, speaking out into the heavenlies (so that Satan can hear loud and clear!):

“I’m not buying into your lies anymore, Satan! I might have been victimised, but God never saw me as a victim! That’s not who I am! It’s not my true identity! Almighty God created me in His own image and when He made me, He said, ‘It is very good!’ He loves me so much, He sent Jesus to die for me, so that I could be washed clean, and wear His robe of righteousness and receive His healing! I was made by Him and bought back by Him! That’s how much He loves and values me! I am not a victim! I am a child of the Living God with a purpose and a destiny He breathed into me from the very beginning of life!”

You are at the very centre of God’s heart, and when we stand up to Satan with God’s truth, Satan has to flee. Hold firm to God’s truth today: you are a blood-bought child of the King of kings, loved, precious and valued by Him.

You might like to listen to some worship songs to help reinforce the truth of your identity in your heart.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You that You made me in Your own likeness, that You are mindful of me, and watch over me and care for me. I am so grateful for Your great love and compassion reaching out to me even now, in my current situation. Help me to put to flight the enemy, who would try to rob me of my true identity. Please help me to put my hand in Yours and let You lead me through this valley into Your wonderful freedom, the freedom that comes from the security of truly knowing who I am as Your child. In Jesus’ name, Amen.