I’ve noticed that when life hurts, one of the temptations we face is to believe lies rather than truth.
Satan doesn’t want us to believe that we are holy and dearly loved (Col. 3:12). He doesn’t want us to believe that through Christ we can do all things (Phil. 4:13). He doesn’t want us to believe that we don’t have to fear shame or condemnation by God (Rom. 8:1). Satan feeds our thoughts with lies that tangle up our minds and trap us in victim thinking. As a result, we’re unable to enjoy our position in Christ and the privileges that come with that position.
What lies am I talking about? Here are a few:
‘I Can’t Change’: This simply isn’t true. God’s primary agenda in your life and mine is to transform us into the image of His Son, Jesus Christ (Rom. 8:29). That means all of us are called to a life of continual transformation, and we know God wouldn’t call us to something that isn’t possible. Next time you’re tempted to believe the lie that you can’t change, tell yourself the truth: through the power of the Holy Spirit: You absolutely can change.
‘There’s No Hope’: I hear people say this about their marriage, about broken relationships with their kids or about dreams they once had. God’s resurrection power is available to every child of God, and that means no situation in life is ever hopeless. It takes faith and often a lot of work to restore a broken marriage, repair a fractured relationship with kids or resurrect dead dreams. But with the power of Jesus Christ in your life, it is possible!
‘God Can’t Use Me’: This lie is deeply rooted in shame. As a young girl, I was sexually abused, and as a result, I had to fight messages of shame. The irony was that the very thing that I thought made me “unusable” was what God chose to use to give other women hope! God will take your pain and use it for good in the life of another if you will allow Him.
Several years ago, I had the opportunity to speak at a conference in India. Many of the women attending the conference had been abused in some form or another. God gave me the words to a declaration. If you’re struggling with being tormented by lies, why not say this declaration out loud every day this week? Let it remind you of your position in Christ.
Declaration
I am blessed.
I am the beloved daughter of the Most High God.
I am holy and dearly loved.
I am precious and honored.
My sins have been forgiven, and my wounds have been healed.
I am clothed in the righteousness of Jesus Christ.
The Holy Spirit strengthens and empowers me.
In this world, I may be poor. But in God’s kingdom, I am a co-heir with Jesus Christ.
In this world, I may lack influence and power. But in God’s kingdom, I have authority in Jesus’ name.
In this world, I may experience suffering and shame. But in God’s kingdom, I have joy and hope.
My past can no longer traumatize me. I belong to Jesus.
My enemy can no longer shame me. I belong to Jesus.
My fears can no longer control me. I belong to Jesus.
My sins can no longer condemn me. I belong to Jesus.
I am the daughter of the Most High God.
I am blessed.
Friend, declare those words over your life today and listen to this new song by Kristene DiMarco.
The next time Satan starts with his blah blah blah, dare to declare the truth over yourself! {eoa}
Becky Harling, an author, certified speaker, leadership coach and trainer with the John Maxwell Team, is an energetic and motivational international speaker inspiring audiences to overcome their greatest life challenges and reach their full God-given potential. Her most recent book is How to Listen So People Will Talk. Her husband, Steve Harling, is the president of Reach Beyond, a nonprofit organization seeking to be the voice and hands of Jesus around the world. Connect with Becky at beckyharling.com, Facebook or Twitter.
This article originally appeared at beckyharling.com.
