Finding Your Identity in Christ in Every Season with Elizabeth Laing Thompson

by Rachael Adams | Sep 8, 2026 | The Love Offering Podcast Show Notes

We all move through seasons—seasons of growth and success, seasons of waiting and disappointment, and seasons that end before we feel ready to let them go.

In my conversation with Elizabeth Laing Thompson, author of In Season, we discussed lessons that reach far beyond the playing field. Although her 90-day devotional was written for young female athletes, its message speaks to every woman who has ever felt pressure to perform, struggled through a setback, or wondered who she is when a familiar season comes to an end.

What You Do Is Not Who You Are

Our culture often measures us by our accomplishments, productivity, appearance, and recognition. When things are going well, we may feel confident and valuable. But when we fail, receive criticism, lose an opportunity, or enter a season where we can no longer do what once defined us, our confidence can quickly unravel.

Elizabeth reminded us that our work, ministry, motherhood, athletic ability, or service may be part of what we do, but none of these things defines who we are.

We are beloved daughters of God.

Our worth does not increase when we succeed or diminish when we struggle. God’s love remains steady whether we win or lose, achieve the goal or fall short, receive applause or go unnoticed.

Sometimes the clearest indication that something good has become too closely tied to our identity is how we respond when it stops going well. If a setback causes us to question our value, it may be time to return to what God says about us in His Word.

Let Disappointment Become a Place of Growth

Disappointment hurts, and we do not have to pretend otherwise. Biblical resilience does not mean ignoring grief, rushing through pain, or covering hard emotions with positive thinking. It means allowing ourselves to grieve while trusting God enough to keep moving forward.

Elizabeth shared the story of a young swimmer who entered a race expecting a breakthrough. Although she improved her time significantly, she finished third in her heat and did not advance to the finals. At first, she saw the race only as a failure. Her mother helped her recognize that the breakthrough she wanted had still happened—it simply looked different than she expected.

How often do we define success so narrowly that we miss the growth God is producing?

We may not be able to control what happens around us, but we can look for the progress, courage, faithfulness, and small victories hidden within disappointment. A closed door does not mean God has forgotten us. A setback does not erase the ways He is shaping us.

Cultivate a Biblical Growth Mindset

Paul wrote the book of Philippians from prison, yet his words overflow with joy, gratitude, and hope. He intentionally fixed his mind on what was true, honorable, lovely, excellent, and praiseworthy.

This is more than positive thinking. It is choosing to interpret our circumstances through the truth of God’s character.

A biblical growth mindset asks:

What can God teach me here?

Where have I grown, even if I did not receive the outcome I wanted?

Is there help, wisdom, or additional preparation I need?

What is still good and worthy of gratitude?

With God, even our losses can become places where perseverance, humility, courage, and compassion grow.

Make Space for God in Busy Seasons

When life becomes demanding, our time with God is often the first thing we neglect—even though His presence is what we need most.

Remaining close to God requires intention, but it does not always require an ideal schedule or a lengthy morning routine. In some seasons, time with Him may happen during a quiet break in the car, over a cup of tea before bed, or through a verse placed on the bathroom mirror.

The goal is not to create another standard by which we measure our performance. The goal is connection.

We can look honestly at the season ahead and ask, “God, how can I make space to meet with You each day?” He is not limited by the time or place. He meets us wherever we turn our hearts toward Him.

Receive Rest as an Act of Trust

Rest can feel unproductive, especially when our goals matter deeply to us. We may fear that slowing down will cause us to fall behind or miss an opportunity.

But God built rest into the rhythm of His people’s lives for a reason. Rest reminds us that the world continues to turn when we stop working. It helps us release the belief that every outcome depends upon us.

Sometimes stepping away allows our bodies, minds, and spirits to return stronger. Receiving rest is not abandoning our calling. It is trusting the One who gave it to us.

Secure in Every Season

Every season eventually changes. Children grow, careers shift, bodies age, ministries evolve, and dreams take unexpected turns. But the most important truth about us remains unchanged.

We are more than our skills, statistics, titles, accomplishments, and productivity. We are beloved daughters of God.

Whatever season you are in today, you do not have to prove your worth. God is with you in the victory and the disappointment, the striving and the resting, the beginning and the ending. When your identity is rooted in Christ, every season can become sacred ground for growth.