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Renee Swope

Encouraging and equipping moms to parent with God's grace and confidence.

Measuring Up

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 A Confident Heart Coveras 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…

“Contagious Confidence” give-away which includes a copy of  “A Confident Heart” along with “Confident Heart” sticky notes that have quotes and promise from my book and a Starbucks gift card — for 3 of you! Also, I’d love for you to share today’s post by clicking on “Tell a Friend” button below. I’m praying HIS confidence will become contagious!

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for MORE ENCOURAGEMENT

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Last week’s Winners: Lil’lyndie, Kathryn and Linda P.  you’ve won a copy of Ann Voskamp’s New York Times Best-Seller, One Thousand Gifts and A Confident Heart. We have your emails we’ll be in touch to get your mailing addresses this week.

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Comments

  1. My thoughts to share…

    As I’ve now been going through counselling for 1 year (in 1 week), I’ve been shown over and over and over that what is necessary is the breaking and rewiring of my thought process. Self Doubt as I’m now understanding better after reading your blessed words absolutely overpower my life most of the time.
    Growing up in a single parent (father) home, with alcoholism ruling (then several foster homes) and feeling neglected, lost, overlooked, unworthy, alone, and broken, really formed some strong thought patterns that need to be changed as I rear up 3 lil’ children and am a wife to a wonderful man (who also comes from much dysfunction).
    My heart IS for the Lord as I was saved 9 yrs ago after my father’s passing and fully grasp the need for His grace, love, and forgiveness in my life. The salvation gifted to me is absolutely amazing, but it’s repair time now and I feel so blessed by your ministry. I know that confidence and faith are such an amazing part of life that are like slippery soap in my world. Not having much of a trust in others makes it difficult to be vulnerable.
    I really look forward to someday having an opportunity to read this book as I have this nudging inside that tells me there are answers here…there is a “gold mine” within.
    Thank you for your ministry and your obedience to your calling in life. Thank you for your transparency (what ppl need to see in today’s world). I look forward to serving God to my fullest as well and helping others in the places that I’ve been (which is MANY!!).
    Thanks for all you share and help others with. You are HUGE blessing and pray the blessings 100 fold onto your life! Thanks so much to an amazing woman, out to serve the Lord and stand as a lighthouse!
    God bless YOU!

  2. I would love to get this book!!! I think I need this stuff tatooed backwards on my forhead so I can look in a mirror and be reminded of theese Truths!!! Thank you so much for writing this!!!!

  3. I like the 2 Timothy 1:7, I have been given a spirit of power, love and a sound mind. For too long I have been doubting myself as a mom, friend, wife and a Christian. I am believing the enemies lies. I almost didn’t do this bible study and I am so glad that I saw it again and signed up for it. IT came at just the right time in my life, when I have hit rock bottom and really needed the reminder of God’s promises to me. Thank you so much Renee for sharing and being real and how God has worked in your life.

    God Bless you.

  4. I just wanted to say thank you! I began the 7 day doubt diet a few days ago. Self doubt is something that I have stuggled with all of my life. As a child abandoned by both my father and my mother, I doubted my self worth constantly.

    Your devotions, coupled with diving more into by Bible, is helping realize that I am something special to God.

    Thanks again and God bless!

  5. After the recent death of my husband, I have been questioning many things. Recently, I posted a blog called “Thirteen … Eighteen … Widowed” in which I shared that I felt that, like my two sons (ages 13 and 18), I, too, was struggling with “Who am I?” and “What is my purpose in life?” God had already started to gently remind me that He had already answered those questions – for me and for each of us – when I began reading your blog for today! Your words so confirmed what I was hearing from the Lord and inspired me to go back and share on my blog God’s answer to me for others. After writing “Abide”, I realized that the very verses I used were also part of those you shared – John 15:5, I am a branch of Jesus Christ, the true vine, and a channel of His life, and John 15:16, I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit.Thank you for your words of inspiration to women! You can read my thoughts here:

    http://tweetsfrommynest.blogspot.com/2011/07/abide.html

  6. Philippians 1:6 I am confident God will complete the good work He started in me.

    This one has been on my heart. I just posted it on my FB status yesterday. Such a comfort to know that He is working out our sanctification and that it does not depend on me as I fail daily.

  7. I have lived much of my life in a repetitive cycle of “trying to measure up” by being what whoever the person wanted me to be or doing what I thought would please them, which really didn’t lead to good relationships and in the process, lost myself! Doing this kept me in an on-going cycle of never feeling worthy, wondering what people would think of me, and wanting desperately to be able to break free and learn who I am, be satisfied with being me, and have more real relationships because of it. So finally, at 57 years old……I want to take God’s Word seriously, accept what He has been offering and providing all along, recognize that He does not shame us, and truly live for Him the remainder of my days. I know old habits will not go easily and in the past, I’ve been one who started the pursuit so vigorously in the beginning, but would revert to old habits before really doing the hard work of changing. My prayer today is to commit one day at a time to be changed. Renee, so appreciate your words and look forward to the study.

  8. Hi Renee,

    I have two verses that speak to me:
    ■Romans 8:28 I am assured that God works for my good in all circumstances.
    the last couple of years have brought many major life changes. I have FINALLY stopped trying to figure out the WHY ME? , WHY NOW? of the events and trust that God has everything in control and life will just play itself out like it’s supposed to. It’s my job to sit still and lean on Him.

    ■Philippians 1:6 I am confident God will complete the good work He started in me.
    As I move forward and doubt strikes at my heart (& my head), I’m learning that I am perfect in God’s eyes. I need to stop dwelling on my imperfections and rejoice in God’s vision of me. Sometimes hard to do with all the outside world influence, but truthfully, it only matters how God sees me!

  10. Thank you soo much for sharing all of these things with us. I came from an abusive childhood, more than 1 marriage. And am nowo n my 4th marriage. My husband is self employed & uses just about every excuse in the book to make me feel unimportant. Sometimes I feel like I must be the most stupid person on the planet. But your 7 day doubt diet has given me so much strength in the truth of God. You hav emade stronger than I was before. I would love to buy your book, but my husband says I have too many books already. I just don’t understand how a “Christian” man can be abusive & still say that he is growning in The Word & Ways of God. I pray fro The Lord to give me strength. We went to A Weekend to Remember back in June. Our wonderful Church sent us. Things were great for awhile, but everyday things are moving back to the way they were before we went. Having been varbaly abused most of my life, I just keep everything bottled up inside & pour myself out to God.
    I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
    Thank you again for your 7 day doubt diet. I keep them & read them often to give me encouragement.

    • Patti,
      I will pray for you. Your struggles sound very familiar and I know the need for strength. and . I wish I could send you my book (well once I receive it). My husband has made the same remark to me and that “you can’t just read about life, you have to live it”. My response is, I am reading to try and improve myself, which in turn will make me a better person and wife. Keep your eyes towards God and don’t let anyone make you believe you are less than God wants you to be.

  11. Looking forward to reading your new book, Renee! I have already told many people about it, as Kimberly has given it such a great recommendation! I loved the 7-day doubt diet and was left hungry for more 🙂

  12. That is God loves me, I can love myself just as I am. thank you so much!!

  13. Thank you so much for writing this book. I cannot wait to read it. It is much needed in my little world right now that is full of self doubt. Thanks again you are such a blessing to many! <3

  14. Hi Renee,

    The promise that stands out to me is 2 Timothy 1:7 I have been given a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind. I have been walking the road of healing and though I have had major breakthrough I still wrestle with the anxieties and fears from the past. This promise is one I hold on to that the fear is not from God and through Him I am loved, secure and can be at peace.

    Thank you so much for speaking that truth to me today!

    Leslie

  15. So excited to read your new book. Thank you for allowing God to work through you.

    -Brenda May

  16. Ephesians 1:3–8 I have been chosen by God and adopted as His child.
    so very powerful in every way
    thank you for the much needed reminder that I am HIS
    blessings to you & your family!

  17. I’ve been following you on FB and am really looking forward to reading “A Confident Heart” sounds wonderful and i know it is so needed.

  19. Hello this is my thought…

    ——> 1 Corinthians 6:17 I am united with the Lord, and I am one with Him in spirit. <——

    For I am united with the Lord! So we are one with Him in spirit. and since I have him in me then
    that tells me that I see, speak, walk, etc. is all FROM HIM! When the Lord is in me then there is
    Hope, Faith, Guidance, Strength; NO FEARS, DOUBTS, CONFUSION. For that is not of the Lord.
    I feel comfort when I know the Lord is by my side….But WHEN I KNOW HE IS IN ME I AM TRULY
    FULLY CONFIDENT IN ALL THAT COMES MY WAY!

    Thank You for sharing this with us. Truly a blessing! I enjoy your studies, can't wait to share it in my group and others. May the Lord continue to use you in wonderful ways to us and truly bless you. Thank You once again and God Bless.

    Sister In Christ,
    Paula Sue Guerrero <3

  20. Renee,
    LOVED the verses you provided for the “I am….secure, accepted, significant.” Thank you for being vulnerable and sharing so openly and honestly. Appreciate it.
    -Kristen Marie