"The Strug" Is Sometimes From Within 2016.11.01
How often do you struggle with something where you just end up thinking, "What is the point? I suck as a disciple!" You feel overwhelmed with your current failure, inundated with thoughts that you're not strong enough, resilient enough, and you just want to quit. You just can't do it anymore. Your current mindset has changed your perspective of "self-worth" and you have a hard time believing this scripture:
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. | ||
Galatians 2:20 |
"If Jesus lived in me, then I truly wouldn't suck this badly... The life I live now is so far removed from Jesus... I don't live by faith... I'm not worthy of Jesus' sacrifice..."
And the devil has you where he wants you.
We all know that the scripture doesn't lie. God hasn't lost a battle. And His Word rings true, like the light piercing through any darkness.
I bought my son an expensive gift one time, because He had done excellent in school, was being helpful around the house, and was respectful to all whom he met. But when I presented it to him, he didn't even open the the gift. The wrapping remained intact while he whispered, "thanks... but I don't deserve this. I made [this mistake] and [that mistake]...". He sets it aside, and walks away, shoulders slumped over.
Aren't we the same way when we don't believe in our worth, the same worth that God sees in us? How easy is it for the devil to whisper into our ear, a word or two, and we simply begin our downward spiral, away from God? He doesn't have to lead us, doesn't have to yell... he simply pushes a button or two, and we do most of the work!!!
The devil is a liar! And he's a good one because he has us believing that we're not worthy of Jesus' sacrifice!!!
And he has us so confused that we believe his lies & half-truths. He laughs at us because we are so easily distracted in our faith, saying "Jesus is Lord" one second, and yet wallowing in self-struggle the next. We're so busy listening to the devil, that we don't hear God.
When you feel inadequate, God says you are chosen!
"You are my witnesses," declares the Lord, "and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me. | ||
Isaiah 43:10 |
When you feel afraid, God is saying you are redeemed!
But now, this is what the Lord says—
he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: "Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. | ||
Isaiah 43:1 |
When you are feeling unloved, God says You are so loved!
Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give people in exchange for you, nations in exchange for your life. | ||
Isaiah 43:4 |
When you feel forgotten, God says you are remembered!
And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. | ||
Matthew 10:30 |
When you feel insecure, God says you are worth it!
"Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in him, for he shields him all day long, and the one the Lord loves rests between his shoulders." | ||
Deut 33:12 |
And when you are feeling worthless, God is definitely saying you are called!
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. | ||
1 Peter 2:9 |
Tell the devil to go away (Luke 10:19), pray to God and ask Him for peace in your mind & heart. Ask to dispel the devil's lies and to cover you in His Light. Because in that light, you can see with clarity, and all of those lies will be seen for what they truly are. Seek comfort from the One who does not want you to live confused & susceptible to those lies, and He will protect you.
scripture | ||