Ever feel like someone is telling you that you can’t measure up? That something is wrong with you?
If so, have you ever stopped to ask, “Who is saying these things? Who is causing me to doubt myself? Is it me? Is there something from my past that led me to believe this? Or is it the enemy of my soul disguising his voice as my own?”
Satan is the father of lies, and there is no truth in him (John 8:44). Oh how he loves when we believe his deception and fall into the ditractions of feeling inadequate and insecure.
The meaning of the word lie is “a falsehood with the intent to deceive.” Satan intends to deceive us and he does so by getting us to take our eyes off of who we are in Christ and focus on our flaws. That way we’ll spend our days figuring out how we can hide them. It’s exactly what he did with Eve:
“Then the eyes of both [Adam and Eve] were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.
Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. But the Lord God called to the man, ‘Where are you?’
He answered, ‘I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.’” (Gen. 3:7–11)
In response, God asked who told them they were naked. In other words, “Who told you that something is wrong with you?” By asking this, God made sure they knew someone was casting shame on them—and it wasn’t Him.
The enemy whispered lies into their hearts, causing them to move away from Him and from each other.
Satan’s intent is the same for you and me as it was for Eve, but we don’t have to go along with him. Instead we can refute his lies and temptations with truth. If we have put our trust in Christ as our Savior, we can stand on the promises of who we are in Him.
In his book, Victory Over the Darkness, Dr. Neil T. Anderson says, “The more you reaffirm who you are in Christ, the more your behavior will begin to reflect your true identity!” Here is a compilation of Scriptures Dr. Anderson’s ministry created to remind us of who we are in Christ.
I am accepted . . .
- John 1:12 I am God’s child.
- John 15:15 I am a friend of Jesus Christ, as His disciple.
- Romans 5:1 I have been justified.
- 1 Corinthians 6:17 I am united with the Lord, and I am one with Him in spirit.
- 1 Corinthians 6:19–20 I have been bought with a price and I belong to God.
- 1 Corinthians 12:27 I am a member of Christ’s body.
- Ephesians 1:3–8 I have been chosen by God and adopted as His child.
- Hebrews 4:14–16 I have direct access to the throne of grace through Jesus Christ.
I am secure . . .
- Romans 8:1–2 I am free from condemnation.
- Romans 8:28 I am assured that God works for my good in all circumstances.
- Romans 8:31–39 I am free from condemnation. I cannot be separated from God’s love.
- 2 Corinthians 1:21–22 I have been established, anointed, and sealed by God.
- Colossians 3:1–4 I am hidden with Christ in God.
- Philippians 1:6 I am confident God will complete the good work He started in me.
- Philippians 3:20 I am a citizen of heaven.
- 2 Timothy 1:7 I have been given a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind.
- 1 John 5:18 I am born of God, and the evil one cannot touch me.
I am significant . . .
- John 15:5, I am a branch of Jesus Christ, the true vine, and a channel of His life.
- John 15:16, I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit.
- 1 Corinthians 3:16, I am God’s temple.
- 2 Corinthians 5:17–21, I am a minister of reconciliation for God.
- Ephesians 2:6, I am seated with Jesus Christ in the heavenly realm.
- Ephesians 2:10, I am God’s workmanship.
- Ephesians 3:12, I may approach God with freedom and confidence.
- Philippians 4:13, I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.
Which one of these promises did you need to hear most today? What lie do you need to replace with truth 
as you reaffirm your significance, security and acceptance based not on what you say or do, but on what Jesus said and did for you!
When you’re tempted to measure up today, focus “up” instead and remember Whose you are and who you are – in Him!
Slip me a note and let me know what’s on your heart as you read this and/or my devotion through Proverbs 31 Ministries today. Simply click on “share your thoughts” below this post and your note will be placed in the drawing for our…
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I loved your devotional, and I realize how those thoughts and fears and doubts whispered by the evil one can steal my peace. They cause us to doubt, to compare, and to invariably feel as though we don’t measure up. But it is not true! God made each of us just as He wants us to be, and through trust in Him we will grow to become the women He made us to be.
Satan’s lies can cripple. Thanks for the encouragement and reminder who I am in Christ!
I need to remember that I am God’s workmanship. When I am criticizing myself, I am criticizing His handiwork.
the line that says how Satan’s lies cause us to “take our eyes off of who we are in Christ and focus on our flaws. That way we’ll spend our days figuring out how we can hide them,” really spoke to me. It reminded me of the times I’ve heard the story of Peter going to Jesus on the water – how he was able to walk on the water just like Jesus as long as he kept his eyes on the Lord, but as soon as he looked away, he began to sink. It’s a good reminder of keeping the focus on Jesus – it’s all about him, always about him.
The other things that really spoke to me were the verses you listed that talked about how there is no condemnation in Christ. Such a wonderful reminder of how blessed I am and how much I don’t deserve it!
This whole topic is something that rings so heavy in my soul. I feel my confidence has been shaken to its core. I have nothing in my past to contribute to these feelings. Your comment about satan disguising his voice as our own really made me stop and think. I’ve never thought about that before. Would love to read your book.
I’m going to re-post what I posted to your facebook page……I can’t put it any better than this except to say that my foray into the world and my family today turned out fine because I took Jesus with me and left the whispers of Satan behind.
I try so hard to live by God’s measuring stick now, not the worlds, not my family’s and even not the one that has been planted in my head for many, many years. I will never, ever measure up to the stick I am measured with by my family……….I’m never good enough, do enough or give enough according to their measurements…….in the world I am not pretty enough, thin enough, rich enought, etc. When I focus on God and what He has planned for my life and when I strive to walk the narrow path, that is when I know that I am on the right track. Heading off into the world today……that contains much of my family…knowing I am protected by the One who sees me like Jesus. Thank you, Jesus, for making this possible.See More
Today, I had decided I was done with how I’d been living. So I started searching for a devotional online. I’ve been lazy, my mind has turned against me, my husband feels like giving up, and I’m broken. I’ve been away from God for far too long. Your devotional really spoke to me today. It was just what I needed to hear.
Two verses spoke to me as I read your blog. The first is Romans 8:28 and the second is 2 Timothy 1:7. I have lived my life constantly stuffing the good and bad way down deep and never dealing with anything. Some medical issues have caused me to be home. I truly believe this was God’s way of getting me to slow down and look at Him and not the world. Since I have had alot of time at home it has brought up all the ugly things that I have “stuffed” and “pushed” deep down inside that has caused anxiety, worry, doubt and fear. The “not good enough” feelings and emotions. These two verses are ones I am going to read several times a day as reinforcement to keep pushing forward.
Just catching up on some of the Prov 31 posts after being on vacation. This post was just what I needed as I go in to a busy ministry season at my church. Thanks for the great reminder of who I am in Christ.
I recently re-entered the workforce this summer and I know that I know that God has His hand upon it because it’s such a perfect fit for my personality and abilities. However, I have been bombarded with all of the doubts that you list in your doubt analysis. I’m so thankful that God directed my path to your book… that He directed you to even write the book in the first place. I am encouraged by your words, and have found hope that I can get rid of these doubts once and for all. Thanks!
Been so very low lately, I really needed to hear Philllipians 4:13 today. Kind of rambled over hear through another site, God know I needed to.
Carol
The promise that spoke to me was this:
Philippians 1:6 – I am confident God will complete the good work He started in me.
My husband says he found his calling in high school. I have a wonderful mom who has been a SAHM for both mine and my sister’s entire lives. Since I was about 16 years old I aspired to be like my mom. A lot of people look down on people like my mother who don’t work outside the home. They don’t understand taking care of a home and children is a full-time job. Even though we don’t get paid, we work just as hard!! My husband and I are expecting our first child in October and I am blessed to stay home with her. I believe God is calling me to be her mother and to be the best wife and mother I can be. It is scary at times to think about becoming a parent, but I know God will be with us each step of the way.
Renee,
For as long as I can remember I have suffered from severe fatigue, low self esteem, perfectionism, anxiety and depression. All of my life I have constantly compared myself to other people. I have never felt pretty enough, smart enough, like a good enough daughter, friend, mother, etc… I am finally beginning to realize how all of this comparing and not feeling like I measure up may be contributing to all of the symptoms I have struggled with for so long. It is exhausting to have these thoughts running through your head all of the time! I actually felt a sense of relief and a renewed energy when I read your post. How freeing it is to realize that God doesn’t want me to be like all of these other people I have compared myself to for so long and that maybe I am good enough just the way HE Made me! Thank you, Renee, for giving me just what I needed to read today!
Thank you Renae for this book and for this timely encouragement. Many women in our society struggle with self-doubt and with the feelings of not measuring up. I am in Women’s Ministry and I am constantly reminded of the responsibility and the privilege as one who ministers to women in and outside the church walls. For over 20 years I have lead a weekly Bible study in my home to an average of 15 to 20 women of all ages, and every fall I facilitate a study in our church in addition to the one in my home. It has been my life’s joy to work with women and lead them in the study of God’s Word.
But lately I’m finding myself feeling unworthy and insecure in my position as a leader. I myself am going through a time of transition in my life – the upcoming empty nest in a few weeks when our youngest child goes off to college, my need to lose extra weight that holds me back, and my overwhelming doubt in my abilities as a wife, mother, friend, and minister to women. I don’t know what has happened to my confidence! I prayed this morning for God to reveal to me something to help me journey this path of uncertainty and I happened upon the title of your new book “A Confident Heart”. I know that God will use this book to help me gain the confidence I need to get through this season of self-doubt, to recogize the lies of Satan, and to claim the promises in God’s Word.
I just wanted to share how thankful I am for your obedience to the Lord, for offering a much-needed encouragement to so many of us gals that love the Lord and need a reminder of our worth and value in Him. I look forward to reading your book!
Thank you for your encouraging words. Everywhere I turn this week I am reading/hearing the same message:-)
This week at Church we looked at the verse in 1Cor which says that we are “enriched in Christ” in every way – what an amazing thought! I can look up and focus on how God sees me not on how I perceive myself to be. Our Pastor was reminding us that God sees us as a completed work of grace because He sees Christ’s righteousness covering us. Thank you for continuing this message from the Lord! God bless you.
I hear His promises and I pray that He would reveal His thoughts for me. It is easy to hear but so hard to embrace even when I desire wholeheartedly the truth of what GOd believes about me and not the lies the enemy speaks to me.
I have battled with confidence almost my whole life, the chain of negative thinking towards myself is so hard to break after years of abuse. I can’t wait to be free from my past and free to be who God has called me to be.
I ordered your book and can’t wait to begin it. I would love to share a copy with a girlfriend in God of mine so that we can encourage each other as we read it together. This is exactly what I have been in need of, for years. Thank you Renee! God bless you.
God has given me a very special ability of ministering to others through piano skills that He has developed in me. Yet I still have many moments of self-doubt that I struggle with. Thank you for the words of encouragement and the truths of scripture.
What a blessing it is to be reminded of whose I am and WHO I am IN CHRIST! You can’t believe how I have agonized and beaten up on myself over the past 25 years or so for not finishing college and even going back to finish over the years…..I have always compared my life to those of my friends who have their degrees and of whom I have envied for sticking it out and finishing school. I’ve even been too embarrassed to return to my high school reunions because I was the “girl most likely to succeed in high school” – only to get pregnant before the end of my senior year in high school and then drop out of college and not have what I considered a “professional life” to talk about @ high school reunions. Even though I was a cheerleader and homecoming queen, I felt so unworthy.
God has had to “heal” my mind for years and deal w/me about the role HE has played in my life and that HE is my TOTAL SOURCE and that I could have been a total failure even w/my college degree — but it’s because of HIS ABUNDANT MERCY, LOVE and GRACE that I have my being and existence — not a college diploma hanging on my office wall and yes, I have an office at work…..talk about HIS grace!
It is because of HIS mercy and compassion that we are not consumed—nothing else. That’s why I love serving Him and thank HIM daily for HIS deep love for me, in spite of feeling like I didn’t measure up to teachers, friends & family members expectations of me. God is so faithful!
This is such a need in my life right now. I have struggled with this my whole life. I was saved in 2008 and still consider myself a new Christian. I think Satan loves to prey on new Christians. I know that my doubts are his lies, yet I still hold back anyway. I am eager to get into your book and find out how to overcome this. I want to change this pattern in my life. Thank you so much!
I was catching up on my email devotions this morning, and WOW did this one speak to me! I’m so happy I found your blog and I can’t wait to read the book. Satan really has been filling my thoughts with doubt and making me focus on my flaws so often lately. I needed your words of wisdom today — thank you!
Thank you for your ministry in the area of confidence. As far back as I can remember I have believed I was a “second-class person”….not good enough….never measuring up…mostly to what I thought were other peoples’ expectations….expectations that likely were never there except in my own mind. I still struggle with this at times….when I let my focus stray away from God. The promise that spoke most to me is “I am God’s workmanship.” The Master Craftsman created me in a wonderful way Psalm 139:13-16. I am loved and accepted by the One who matters most.
Hi Renee! Thank you for your encouragement on your posts. I also enjoyed your talk with Ann on her porch the other day! I was touched by Philippians 1:6 I am confident God will complete the good work He started in me.I am definitely a work in progress and can feel and see the change in my heart in regard to so many things in my life, but my insecure side still wonders how He will complete the good work He started in me, as I feel I’m moving in baby steps sometimes. I want to continue to move forward by looking “upward.” Thank you, look forward to reading your book.
Hi Renee,
Thank you for delivering God’s Word. The verse that I needed to hear again and be reminded of was 1 Tim. 2:7 We have been given a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind.
You are right about putting our focus on Who God says we are. Because the devil, and all those who have been deceived, always want to remind us how we don’t measure up, but as we continue to look on Jesus and Who he says we are, we are transformed from glory to glory.
God’s Word is the truth, and the longer we abide in it, the firmer our steps and actions. I am reminded of another verse in Proverbs, “The righteous are as bold as the lion…”
Thank you for cementing my faith and identity in Christ
1 Corinthians 6:17 I am united with the Lord, and I am one with Him in spirit.
Here lately that truth hasn’t felt so true. I don’t necessarily feel like I am in “in the desert” but I do feel like I am in a far off country. It’s easy to know something in your head, but when it doesn’t feel true in your everyday life, well, you start to go down roads you might have to struggle to come back up.
Satan would have me believe that my connection with God is “down” at the moment, and it feels like I am spending so much time telling him it’s not, that I can’t do anything to figure out what is really going on.
I definitely need daily reminders of my acceptance, security, and significance. Because of my past, I usually feel very insecure and I still have a strong wall around my heart. Though I don’t feel worthy, I have ordered the Confident Heart book already and plan to lead a women’s group in the fall. (If I happen to win the give away, the book will then go to one of the ladies who sign up for my group.) I hope that, though my lack of confidence, I can grow and help the women who may be in my group to grow to be more confident in God and his promises.
Thank you, Renee. I can’t wait to read the whole book (read the sample chapter).
Renee thank you so much! I am new to your website, your ministry is much needed. I am the last of eight. I remember being very young, 3 or 4 and my brother and sisters making mean comments to me and about me. “I was a change of life baby (my mom was 40 when I was born) so something was really wrong with me.” I was told that all my life by my brothers and sisters. Recently as I was praying for healing about something else(or so I thought); the good Lord spoke to my heart. He told me that there was nothing wrong me or who I am. He told me I was wrong to think and feel “broken”, or not good enough. I was reminded of all the scriptures that speak of my acceptance by God. I was also reminded that I am a child of God, a member of His royal household. What a relief to finnally feel, completley, truley accepted by God and to accept myself warts and all. I have 10 year old twin girls and am a single mom. I now have the confidence to lead them better. I am so grateful that God is the head of our household. Thank you again for your obedience in doing your ministry!
Reading this entry made me realize that I have allowed Satan to creep in and full my mind with lies. I’m looking forward to reading your book!
I’m definitely having a “not measuring up” day. But for me that’s a good thing. It means I DO understand my place in God’s creation. In John 15, it’s pretty strongly worded that we are nothing — see John 15: 4 (No branch can bear fruit by itself), John 15:5 (apart from me you can do nothing). So why not just acknowledge that I’m nothing? Makes it easier to do what God calls us to do in John 15:13 (and throughout the Bible): lay down our lives. Because if our life isn’t worth anything, it’s much easier to lay it down.
So “who told you something is wrong with you?” answer would be Jesus–we have a heart problem and an impotence problem. I’m not sure why we need confidence–what we need is to depend on Jesus for everything. What we need is to be willing to be used by Him to do HIS will and HIS purpose, not ours.
Timely timely word as I’m struggling with a lot right now….
It’s so easy to feel like I don’t measure up…as a wife, as a mother, as a woman, as a friend. I could go on and on.
When I was little, the thought of not measuring up never occurred to me about myself or others – until the teen years, when all you do is compare yourself to everyone else…and someone always says you come up short…your friends, the media, those who don’t like you for whatever reason.
As an adult, I may “know better” about letting little insecurities get to me like they did when I was a teen, and I am more confident in most ways than I was as a teen, but boy can certain things still get to me – like seeing a friend from way back who looks fantastic when I feel like I have gained weight or my hair doesn’t look good lately; or reading how easily some women lose weight when I struggle with this; or hearing about business or personal victories from those around me that I haven’t experienced myself. These things all make me feel small, and I have to remind myself that these notions of not measuring up aren’t from God at all, but from the Enemy who just wants me to feel like God doesn’t work in my life and I’m not worth anything.
It’s a lie that I replace daily with God’s truths and love. That’s the only thing that chases back these ridiculous thoughts and feelings.
Thank you for sharing this with me today! I sent this to all of my girlfriends, you are such a blessing. Thanks, Charlotte
If I fall and cannot lift myself up,
Will not the Lord carry me
If I cry out and cannot lift my head
Will not the Lord comfort me
If I cannot see the way and I am blinded
Will not the Lord hold my hand and guide me
If I hear nothing but silence
Will not the Lord speak to me
If I am weak,
Will not the Lord be strong and encourage me
If I am not worthy,
Will not the Lord be my Worth
If I am not measuring up
Will not the Lord be my help
If I am broken,
Will not the Lord mend my heart
For He is Lord, ever-present
His lovingkindness and mercy overwhelms me.
For I will be always thankful for His goodness. ~joyce
I have been on your 7 day doubt diet and I cant wait for your book, ” The Confident Heart ” to be released. I would love to do the study in September, please continue to send emails to keep me updated.
Your book should be in the hands of every women, Gods word can change our thoughts, and we can grow confident in his word.
June Livingstone
I think that is so key to know who’s voice is doing the talking….something I am currently working on. I love all the scripture references you gave. Thank you so key being in His word …rooted in it. Thank you for sharing all of this with us. Mary
oh my goodness……I am so there!! There are many days I feel totally paralyzed by the grip of the inadequate lie. Thank you for this devotional! I am very excited that you will be coming to Women’s Day Away in OH in September!!!!! I can’t wait to hear more and hopefully get your book. Thanks again. Kelley S.
What great truths and encouragement for today! As a stay-at-home wife and mom and as a young pastor’s wife, I daily feel I don’t measure up. Being reminded that Eve had it all and thought the same was eye-opening this morning. I pray these truths you shared will help me and my sisters in Christ. Blessings.
Good Morning Renee. Thanks again for your words of encouragement. Our family has been in a deep valley for three years now and the one thing I have been questioning is – where is God in all of this? Your Romand 8:28 – I am assured that God works for my good in all circumstances, really hit me. I have seen God working in our lives these past three years, but sometimes as we cry out – it seems he completely ignores us. I’m pretty sure things are going to be turning around for us soon and it is pretty amazing how everything is unfolding. Only our great God Almighty can work these plans out. We will continue to trust and obey.
Thank you so much for writing a book like this! I’ve always believed the lies that I’m not good enough and that I don’t deserve good things. Hopefully through reading this book, I can break free from that negative thinking.
Hi, Renee.
Thank you so much for your words of encouragement. I’m rebuilding my self-esteem and self worth after a marital breakdown with a man who was emotionally neglectful. I’m also looking at sharing what I have learned about value as God sees me, which I’m still learning, with teen girls with the hope of preventing them from getting pregnant and involved with “the wrong guy”.
I tried to buy 3 of your books through the P31 website, but got the message that they didn’t ship to my address, so I guess I’ll go through Amazon. Looking forward to reading and learning and sharing your book with a couple of friends.
In Him,
Darlene (Kemptville, Ontario, Canada)
Thank you Renee and Thank you Lord God Almighty!! I am beginning this 7day doubt diet today! It’s really hard sometimes to diet 🙂 but I know this is what the Lord desires from me.. to have a more confident heart <3 I wish I could find a friend who would commit to doing this study with me, but even so… I will keep this commitment. Thank you for your leadership and encouragement.
This spoke so strongly to me today. Thank you for you encouraging words. The Lord is really using you!
Today I have been focused on the fact that God cares about everything in my life, even the seemingly insignificant details. It is such an encouragement to know that even when my cat runs off, God knows. And He is there to comfort me and then to bring the cat back. My faith has been increased as I see God answer even the smallest of needs.
…so need these reminders…ALL THE TIME!
Phillipians 1:6
2 Timothy 1:7
Satan has been working overtime on my mind…fear, anxiety, feelings of inadequacy, exhaustion…Thank you for being faithful in your work of bringing God’s word to women’s hearts.
🙂 rhea
Rom 8:28-A dear sister in Christ affirmed what I feel I’ve been living the past few years, that I am a modern day Job. My youngest son (2) died quickly and unexpectedly last March. He was diagnosed in utero with hydrocephalus but every day with him was so amazing, a true gift of God. But with that being my last biggest trial, I also have a son with severe behavior issues related to his Autism, two other children and a marriage that is failing. Through it all I have continued to put my hope in the Lord and continue to trust Him despite my circumstances.
Such comforting and encouraging Scriptures! I think I will try to start memorizing them!
Just got done checking my email and came across this devotion at what could not have been a better time. The past two days I have been battling it out with some insecurities. I have even been praying for God to show me how this icky feelings of insecurity could be taken out of my heart. He answered my prayer through you today. Thank you for sharing this just when I needed it most.
1 John 5:18 I am born of God, and the evil one cannot touch me. Actually All the scriptures are sooo good. We constantly need to be reminded of Gods Love for us. It is good to keep pouring “Truth” into our spirits. We are accepted, significant and secure in him who adores us. What an awesome Abba Father we have. Thanks for the encouragement.
Thank you for sharing this message. I especially appreciatte the scriptures that tells us the Truth for each lie the enemy says about us. I struggle with many of these liesToday the most meaningful was ■Philippians 1:6 I am confident God will complete the good work He started in me.
I am so excited to read you book. Every day I battle that need to be reminded that I am a child of God. Every single day those doubts and past hurts creep into my thought patterns and I need to fight them off. Thank for these wonderful reminders.
Philippians 4:13, I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me. This is one of my favorite verses. I can’t wait for your book to come out and have been waiting all summer. I will share my copy with a friend that really needs this encouragement.