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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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Comments

  1. Thanks for the encouraging words! I wonder why it seems so easy for women to fall into the trap of Satan’s lies? I too struggle with self-doubt and unrealistic expectations…Can’t wait to read your book!

  2. I can’t wait to get a copy of your book! God has really laid this issue on my heart of being confident in myself because I am His creation. I am even considering leading a small group using this book. I think all too many Christian women fall prey to Satan’s lies. It is time we are all set free, in Jesus name! Thanks Renee, for sharing your story.

  4. Renee,
    Thank you for being confident enough to share your story! A friend emailed me your website and I have read the intro and chapter 1. I also signed up for the 7 day doubt diet. God has used your story tremendously in life right now! It was right on time! And I even shared your website with a friend! Thank you again!!!
    With a growing confidence,
    KD

  5. Thanks so much for sharing! Your devotions have been so encouraging and so right on time! I am so guilty of hearing those “lies” that i’m not good enough and i don’t measure up to what God wants of me. As a matter of fact, a friend of mine and I teach a young adult class on Wed. night at our church and as we were discussing this week what we were gonna be studying, I told her that i would pray about it and let her know what he laid on my heart. Well i was talking to her and told her that i had something in mind and she at the same time told me that she had something. So, i told her that we could do what she had, and, of course, she told me “No” and that we could do what i had. Well, i told you all that to say that when she told me that i could just teach tonight and do my lesson, i told her that her’s was probably better than mine anyway and that mine probably wouldn’t make much sense. Well, now that i read your blog this afternoon, i know that it was just “me” and “satan” telling my those lies. So i am gonna go tonight with confidence on what God has laid on my heart!

    Thanks so much for this today! I am really wanting and looking forward to your book!

    Love in Christ,
    Becca

  7. I so love this list of verses, I need them all and don’t have a favorite!

  8. My husband and I seem to be going through this lesson at the same time. Since he lost his job in 2007, we have been taking turns at being full of doubt while the other encourages. The truth is, I have struggled with this my whole life. I signed up for the 7 day Doubt Diet today and it has been such an encouragement. It wasn’t long ago I was wondering what the problem was. God seems to be revealing it to me now. Thank you!

  9. Ephesians 1:3–8 I have been chosen by God and adopted as His child.

    I grew up fatherless, raised by a single mom. My dad abandoned my mom, sister and I when I was six. 34 years ago. And I still have deep-hidden issues because of it. I’m not bitter or angry, just hurt that my dad didn’t want us.
    I am a new believer – only two-years-old, so the concept of a Father who loves me more than I can imagine and One who wants me and will never leave me, is foreign to me.
    I know the Enemy uses my insecurities to have me question and doubt the unfailing love of my Father. I will keep this promise from Eph 1:3-8 close to my heart to remind me that I am a child of our magnificent God, and a princess of The King.
    Thank you, Renee for your loving and encouraging words.

  10. Love your blog and P31 devotion. I needed to be reminded of many of the scriptures you quoted. It is difficulty as I help my daughter pack for her last year in college. This year is different because she is renting an apartment with a friend and she does not know if she will come back home or stay there after graduation. She is seeking God’s guidance and I am doing by best to give it to God and trust that He will give me strength to let go and trust Him. He will take care of her and she will follow His lead.

  11. Thank you so much for this post! I love your writing and I can’t wait to get my book! I really needed this today. I’m not feeling very accepted today and I seem to forget that even if I don’t have any friends on earth He is my friend and I can always count on Him. Thank you for reminding me!

  12. Dear Renee,

    I praise the Lord for women of faith, like yourself. I have struggled with insecurities off and on for most of my adult life. It negatively affects every area of my life and I struggle keeping joy in my heart. I am a part of a small group of ladies who support each other and are presently doing Made to Crave. We are discussing doing your new book The Confident Heart for our next session I want so desparately to gain victory, I hate how satan causes me to doubt who I am in Jesus. I am so sure that God has a plan to prosper each of us, but sometimes I have a hard time believing it for myself. I sometimes feel that my faith is always in a test, which I don’t always pass and I feel so bad about.
    I really enjoy and am so blessed to get your devotionals and am so looking forward to reading your new book. I’m praying that God will do amazing things through it, and that He will set me free.
    I love all these scriptures you have listed, I guess the one that I cling to the most is Romans 8:28 that says I’m assured that God works for my good in all circumstances. If I could just believe it all the time, God could do amazing things through me.
    God Bless you Renee and all your ministry
    Patti

  13. I really needed to hear – again – “I am significant”. Those verses are so helpful to me as I truly contemplate them. I have recently realized that low self-esteem is Satan’s way to prevent us what God intends for us to do and accomplish. So, this is something that I am working on – overcoming the fears associated with low self-esteem. I find your writings helpful as I accomplish this goal.

  15. Thank you so much for your devotions! Your Doubt Diet has certainly been speaking to my heart as I have been seeking employment yet hearing nothing positive back. It’s easy for those enemy whispers of “You’re not good enough”, “Nobody wants you”, etc to creep in and discourage, but your words have helped to remind me that our God is faithful and has created me for a purpose – one which He will fulfill in His time. I look forward to opening my email each morning, knowing that even if there is no response from potential employers, a message from Him through your devotions awaits me! May God continue to bless you and your ministry!

  16. 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. Wow! this really touched me. I have not really paid attention on who is telling me all these false negative thoughts. Thanks so much for your insight.

  17. When God speaks we need to listen!! I have been an insecure girl, teenager and now as an adult woman. It has been a constant struggle for me throughout my life in all areas. Now as an adult, as a mother, a daughter, wife, Youth Director i even question if i have what it takes to carry out what God wants me to do. when will i start believing in myself. I recently had a major car accident and am still recovering therefore, adding more limitations to me besides the emotional limitations i had before. This devotional reminds me that God doesn’t make trash, he creates us in his special, perfect way. wrong choices are our faults not his, so i need to stop blaming him. i want to focus on the solution to the problem not the problem. I want to be able to go through trials and tribulations with a “smile” because God is with me, I only take it one day at a time, too many times i feel so overwhelmed. help me to look up to God and not look down on myself. God Bless the wonderful work you are doing reaching out to all of us and lifting us up.

  18. I struggle with listening to the Satan. I have to constantly remind myself of who I am. I also struggle a little with comparing myself to others. I have improved in both of these areas but it’s a daily process of reminding myself of where these thoughts are coming from. Thank you for the reminder. It is truly God sent.

  19. I have pre-ordered your book and can’t wait to read it! Thank you so much for your message.

  20. He reminds me often “Who is saying these things” … just like the other day I saw a GOOD looking guy and didn’t even want to make eye contact with him because I felt he was “out of my league” and God said to me “Who told you that you can’t have someone like him?”