Jewel Diamond Taylor s an authentic, highly acclaimed, witty, knowledgeable, in-demand, and international conference speaker, life coach, author, founder of Women on the Grow, Inc. 501c3 …

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“When you are feeling under the pressure of life, be careful not to lose your way, your faith or your identity.  When I see the word “pressure”… I see two (2) words, PRESS and SURE.

The heavy weight of maintaining your family, business, ministry, job, studies, finances and meeting deadliness can PRESS down on you so hard that you can begin to question God and yourself.  You could begin to ask, “Are you sure God I’m supposed to be doing this? Are you sure I am anointed, blessed, talented, covered, called and destined to do this?  The phone isn’t ringing. The sales are slow. My progress is slow.  I feel stuck.  No one seems interested in keeping the family, the team, business or ministry together. You may begin to question yourself under the pressure and ask yourself, “Am I sure I can do this?  Am I sure God will show up?  Am I sure things will work out?  Am I sure I am qualified and ready? I’m not sure I can cope and handle this difficult situation.

When you are confused and discouraged because of the pressures in your life you could begin to give up.  You could easily give up your calling or decide to change your direction and do something different because your identity in God has been stolen.

These questions under pressure can cause you to experience Identity Theft.  External and internal voices, feelings and situations can cause you to lose your confidence and trust in God and trust in yourself.

   The term “identity theft” comes from the escalating criminal acts of finances, identification and credit being stolen. Those who fight against identity theft and arrest the criminals, warn people to do three (3) things to avoid identity theft.

I think the three steps can also be applied to protecting your spiritual identity. 1) DETER – minimize risk and safeguard important information and documents.

2) DETECT suspicious activity by routinely monitoring your financial accounts and billing statements.  3) DEFEND your identity and alert creditors to follow certain procedures before they open new accounts in your name or make changes to your existing accounts.

Everyone needs to realize they are vulnerable to financial and spiritual identity theft.  Thieves are cunning.  They study your habits and routine.  They look for easy access to your information.  The enemy knows when you are feeling down, discouraged, hopeless and dePRESSed.  The enemy knows when you are vulnerable.

When it comes to proactive steps to protect your spiritual identity 1) DETER – minimize risk by protecting your heart and who you share your time, dreams, goals and conversations with.  2) DETECT suspicious activity by monitoring on a regular basis your relationships, what you say, how you feel and what you believe. Check your spirit to avoid depression, pity parties, sabotaging behavior like shame, guilt and procrastination.  3) DEFEND yourself.  Block the enemy from stealing your joy and purpose.  Before you slip into darkness and want to give up, remind yourself who you really are in God.  Speak your declarations and affirmations.  Proclaim again that you are worthy, qualified, blessed and resilient. Go for it.  Stick with it.  Don’t let internal or external enemies discourage you with doubt. Defending your dreams and goals is like hiding a priceless jewels so potential robbers won’t find them and steal them. Defend your purpose and those dreams and goals which are precious to you.  Defend and protect your identity in the Lord.  You are who God says you are. Encourage yourself and defend your worthiness, talents, dreams, purpose and faith in God.  Read Psalm 139:17-18 and remember how precious you are to God.

1 Peter 3:15 says, “Always  be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” ~ by Jewel Diamond Taylor