The Superpower of Self-Reflection in Christ

There are many foundational questions you can ask yourself - questions that draw you into deeper insight and greater clarity. But I’ve found that one of the most powerful guiding questions in life is the simple word: why.

I’m not talking about philosophical musings on things outside your control. Instead, I mean looking inward. Self-reflection, seeing yourself honestly, is one of the greatest gifts God has given us. That’s why understanding your identity in Christ is the master key that unlocks everything God has planned for you.

The Bible is clear: it tells you who you are in Christ. It defines your identity, your calling, and your destiny. Like a good guidebook, it gives examples and principles to live by. What it doesn’t give are the exact step-by-step instructions for your specific assignment in life. That revelation comes as you spend time with God in fellowship. In His light, we see light.

And one of the best ways to uncover that light is to start asking yourself: Why?

God’s Intentional Design

God never creates by accident. He is the most intentional Being that exists. Everything He designs, He equips to thrive in its purpose. From the creation story, we see His care and precision. Everything was made with the seed to reproduce after its kind. Built into creation was the ability to flourish and sustain.

In the same way, when God created you, He placed within you the ability to succeed in what He designed you for. That ability often shows up as passions, stirrings, desires, even strong emotional reactions or “pet peeves.”

Think about it: put 100 people in a room and you’ll find 100 different inclinations. That uniqueness is by design. Your gifts, emotions, and abilities point toward your God-given purpose.

Jesus as Our Example

Look at Jesus. With the crowds, He was compassionate, kind, and giving. But with the religious leaders, His tone was often sharp and confrontational. Why? Because part of His mission was to set people free from burdens (Luke 4:18–19; Matthew 11:28–29). The religious leaders, however, were doing the opposite - placing heavy loads on people and shutting them out of the kingdom (Matthew 23:2–4,13).

Jesus’ strong emotional response revealed His alignment with the Father’s purpose. His reactions were not random; they were signals of His calling.

You and I are designed the same way. The things that stir you deeply may be indicators of the work God has placed inside you.

Asking Why in Your Own Life

So ask yourself:

• Are you upset by corruption? Maybe God has called you to bring justice.

• Are you moved by poverty? Perhaps you carry the solution within you.

• Does sickness or poor health grieve you? Maybe you are called to bring healing and wholeness.

Notice the stirrings in your heart and present them before God. Ask Him: Why is this here? How do You want me to use this for Your will?

It’s important to filter these stirrings through Scripture and God’s Spirit, because not every strong feeling comes from Him. Some may come from wounds or trauma that God wants to heal. For example, jealousy is not from God: it must be discarded. The Bible is clear about traits like envy, pride, and covetousness: we are to get rid of them.

Walking in Purpose

As you spend time with God, you’ll begin to discern what is truly from Him and what is not. Over time, your renewed mind will align more closely with His purpose for your life.

I’ve seen this in my own journey. I hate sickness, and it burdens me when people neglect their bodies. At the same time, I love learning, reading, and teaching. Together, those stirrings have led me into healthcare and teaching others how to care for themselves, right in line with God’s plan for me.

The same is true for you. Look inward. Notice the gifts, graces, and holy discontent God has placed in you. Then ask Him how they fit into His greater purpose.

Because sometimes, the most powerful journey begins with one simple question: Why?

I love you,

Oyin.