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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Dear Renee,
Thank you so much for your blog today. When I woke up, I took some time to get quiet with God but I still had some doubts that the devil was trying to use to change my thought process. I was introduced to 2 Timothy 1:7 through the Hidden Joy bible study:: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love and self-discipline”. I repeated this several times and I began to feel more secure and peaceful. Thank you so much for reminding me again that we all have to struggle daily with the devil’s deceptions. I’m really looking forward to your bible study and will definitely share this blog with my sister and my mother as well. Take care!
Kristi
I am signifacant-that is the one thing I struggle with on a consistant bases.I often think if I weren’t around-it would make no differance-no one would miss me.I need to remind myself of who I am in Christ-and that I matter to Him….
Philippians 4:13, I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me. I have begun a weight-loss journey, which may very well be a fight for my life. I need to remind myself that I can do this through Christ.
Many of us have voices YELLING in our ears that we are of no value, not good enough, not smart enough, not skinny enough, not pretty enough, not doing enough . . . from BIG people in our lives.
Enough already!
God is bigger. I am who He says I am: ACCEPTED.
Why is it so hard for us, as women to accept those wonderful truths?? God loves us and wants the very best – I think we just have trouble seeing it for what it is. Great reminder!
Hi Renee. Your devotionals offer hope & inspiration to all of the readers. Thanks for al that you do.
I would like to share ” MY STORY OF HEALING”
God healed me , now I give back by sharing “ MY JOURNEY”, speaking at local health fairs, writing my health blog, visiting cardiac patients & their families: Mended Hearts, providing community resources etc.. I encourage my family friends to place God first, trust him 100% & surround yourself with POSITIVE people: Nothing is too big for God.
Link to my personal health blog.
http://4wedobelieve.wordpress.com/2010/07/03/celebrate/
MY JOURNEY
I was born with an abnormal heart valve. We were told a couple of years ago that I would need a replacement. Two weeks before my (first) surgery February 12, 2009, I experienced shortness of breath, I knew something didn’t feel right. I made an appointment with the doctor, a test was ordered, surgery date was scheduled, I contacted my family & friends and begin to pray & focus on what was getting ready to take place in my life. Blockage occurred after the first surgery, then I received a pace maker (second surgery), February 16th, 2009. Recently (June 23rd, 2010), after a regular check-up (pace maker reading) at the doctor’s office, my third surgery ( pace maker revision) took place the following day.
Before the procedure on Feb 12th, I contacted my family members, Pastor & Church Family, employer, co-workers, friends, neighbors, etc. My (strong) support system provided prayers, phone calls, flowers, books, beautiful cards, hospital visits, home visits, meals etc. It was important to provide support for my husband & children. We discussed the surgical procedure with our children. It was necessary to continue providing a secure & stable environment. The door is always open anytime for the kids to come to us with any questions or concerns. The valve replacement surgery was successful, then I developed blockage. The doctors notified my husband that I would need a pace maker to help my heart function. It was unplanned but necessary. The second procedure took place four days after the first procedure. We prayed with the Chaplain before the heart valve procedure. I also received visits from the Chaplains (by my request); throughout the time I was hospitalized: a total of eleven days. June 23rd, 2010, I returned to the hospital: outpatient surgery: pace maker revision.
My Faith in God, support from my husband, family, Pastor & Church Family, medical staff, friends, neighbors, Radical Love Family, co-workers, employer, etc… continues to play a major role in the healing process. I know that God loves me & promised never to leave me alone. He helped me get through this time of testing. Jeremiah 30:17: “For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the Lord, because they called thee an Outcast saying, “This is Zion, who no man seeketh after.””
Acceptance is crucial during the recovery stage. Not living in denial, but accepting the daily challenges: occurring inside my body, coping with breathing issues on a daily basis, living with a pace maker, taking coumadin for the rest of my life, dealing with the discomfort in my chest. etc…….Where does my help come from? Believing & trusting God with my life. I know without a doubt that he is a healer. God is also loyal & faithful. Psalm 107: 1 “O Give Thanks unto the Lord for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.” My relationship with my husband is even stronger. We were married in 1993 and promised to love each other unconditionally. He continues to provide emotional, physical, mental & spiritual support. While I was recovering he helped the kids with their homework, made daily trips to the grocery store, irons the kid’s clothes, worked hard every day and spent quality time with me. I thank God for my soul mate.
When I returned home from the hospital, my son (age 10), quietly walked in my bedroom and prayed by my side every night. It was very important for him to thank God for healing his mother. When my daughter, (age 7), saw the scar on my chest (incision from heart surgery), it made her very uncomfortable. She thought I was in pain. I spoke to the school counselor about the issue. My daughter touched the scar & saw that I wasn’t in pain. I’m happy to say, my daughter is now comfortable with the scar. After my surgery, our children asked about the limitations, when I would be able to drive again, how did I feel overall etc. We continue to keep the lines of communication open in our home. It’s very important for our children to express their feelings. I continue to pray for my husband & children. We are determined to face any obstacles “together” with God’s guidance.
Through FAITH, FAMILY, & FRIENDS, I’m able to face each day & know within my heart that God continues to bless me & my family. Everyday is a GIFT from God.
Mrs. Kimberly A. Goodloe
I am secure. I am secure. I am secure. And, if I have to carry my pink Bible around with sticky notes in it to remind me, then so be it.
“I am secure” hit home for me today. But I actually wrote down all of the scripture references you listed for each category. These are great verses to remember and turn to when I’m feeling down.
Thank you so much. I know I need to read the book, my insecurities are unmeasureable at times. I hope to win a copy of your book!!!!! Thanks for your wonderful devotions….
I’ve been so blessed by your devotional from the book “A Confident Heart”. As soon as I can purchase your book, I’m getting it. I so want to walk, talk and live confidently in the Lord. Learning to measure up to the Lord and not others……….I’m tired of walking in my fears and insecurities. God’s been bringing things to surface in my life and your devotionals have been SO encouraging, hitting everything straight on. God bless!
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 sharing how God has worked in your life.
God Bless you.
This is just what I needed today. A friend sent it to me and I feel blessed. I believe the Holy Spirit has called me to this place today. Thank you!
would SOOOO love to win this!!!!!!!! 🙂 Thank YOU!!
We just finished up VBS at our church. As director, I have been constantly beating myself up since the last night, because #’s were not where I wanted them and no decisions were made to accept Christ. I even went and told my pastor to find someone else for next year, because I felt like I had done a horrible job. My pastor looked at me and said, the devil’s really got you chasing your own tail here, beating yourself down. He said, “you say this is the worst VBS we have done.” He said, “I think and have heard from others that this was the best one yet.” He also told me that several kids came forward in children’s church on Sunday wanting to accept Christ. The devil is good at what he does. He had me focusing on the “bad” instead of the good! He had me so unsure of myself I was ready to quit.
As I read your devotions every day — reading your book A Confident Heart — I can’t stop thanking my Lord for you and your willingness to let Him use you. My heart has been blessed and encouraged so much since finding your website and book. Satan for so long has convinced me that I am not good enough. Not just in one area of my life — but in many. Physically, I haven’t believed that I was attractive —– Mentally, that I wasn’t smart enough —- Spiritually — that I would never amount to anything —- just not good enough. It has been a constant battle for me —- but through your book — knowing that someone else has really felt this way — and there is a way out —- I am God’s child John 1:12, Eph.6 1-3, I have been bought by God Himself —- I am important to Him. And He believes that I am a person of worth.
Praise the Lord. Purchased by Him. loved by Him, Cared for by Him, Every need supplied by Him, —- WOW, He considers me good enough —- so I need to believe what He believes about me.
How blessed am I!
HI Renne!
I love that you posted this today. I will be going into a meeting in less than an hour to meet with my boss who is writing a ‘letter of concern’ because she feels I made a poor judgment when I stayed with a friend for 3 days (Using vacation) who had just been diagnosed with Leukemia instead of being at work. My friend is 60 and I am 58. His family had been away from work and they wanted someone to be with him as his Chemo hadn’t started yet because they weren’t 100% sure which kind of Leukemia he had. My boss was irritated, I believe, because my friend and I had dated for 15 months, then broke up and my boss doesn’t understand why I would be down there. (He was in a hospital 2 hours away). So she originally wrote me up as AWOL, even though I had called in each morning to let her know I would be using vacation days. I know the Lord wanted me down there. This man and I have stayed friends, and his heart is pretty hardened right now, but he contacted me when he found out about his diagnosis. Please pray for this meeting and specifically that I would be calm, speak words of peace and wisdom. My boss does not understand my faith. I am currently in the Bible Study on Wendy Blights Hidden Joy in a Dark Corner….AWESOME…and have done the 7 day doubt diet and would really LOVE to win your book. Thank you so much for the opportunity to win.
I love the reminder that we are significant. Not because of who we are, but because of who we belong to. Thanks for sharing your heart on these things today!
I love this message!! As I was reading it I was also reminded of one of my favorite verses!
Psalm 18:32
“It is GOD who arms me with strenghth and makes my way perfect!”
I John 5:18 really popped out at me! The evil one cannot harm me because God makes my way perfect!!
Thank you for this devotion and may God continue to bless you!
Hi Renee,
I first want to say how thankful I am for all your posts. Today when I read your post, it really hit me. There are so many times when I am so down on myself and instead of just understanding its the enemy attacking me and my thoughts, I continue to allow thoughts and feelings to ruin my mood sometimes for a whole day. I loved reading through all the scripture showing what we are worth to HIM.
Thanks again!
Julie A.
Thankyou for these wonderful devotions.
I needed to be reminded of the following:
■Ephesians 2:10, I am God’s workmanship.
because I find that when I forget that I am made BY God, FOR God’s purpises, its easy to doubt who I am and what I’m doing. I need to stop & focus on my creator, in whom I can have complete confidence.