Lies We Believe – Week One

As a teenager, I memorized a powerful verse. “You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” (John 8:32 NASB). 

Truth brings freedom. Or inversely stated, lies yield bondage. 

Even though I learned these words more than 20 years ago, I still haven’t mastered the application. What we believe shapes who we are and how we live. This is not what we say we believe but what we truly believe and practice. How I think about God, myself, and others determines what I do and who I become. 

I am a firm believer that God created each of us with a purpose. As Pastor Chris Hodges says, “we were created on purpose, for a purpose.” But as much as I know that God has plans for me, I often doubt. I doubt myself, and I doubt God’s ability to work through me. As a result, I find myself wrestling and questioning instead of trusting, obeying, and walking in faith. 

As I’ve grown, I have learned to better recognize the signs of doubt and insecurity. When I let false thinking overtake my mind, the results usually follow this pattern – I feel overwhelmed. I have a deep need to prove myself. I cycle between working really hard and feeling stuck. I can’t seem to hear from God. I feel like I am a failure. And I want to quit even the things I know are good. 

Over the next few weeks, we will look together at some of the lies we believe (or at least ones that I know I am susceptible to) and how we overcome them. 

Do you recognize any of these?

• I’m an imposter – I don’t belong here!
• I’m not brave enough – I’m too scared!
• I’m inadequate- I’m not talented enough! 
• It’s impossible – There is just no way that will ever happen!

If you relate to any (or all) of these, I have some good news for you. First, God is enough. He is present everywhere, He is all-powerful, His supply never runs out, and He specializes in the impossible. 

Second, God chooses to use people, as messed up as we might be. Listen to how the Apostle Paul explains it, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10)

Isn’t that beautiful? God has appointed you for good things. He has a plan for you to make an impact and that path already prepared for you to walk down. And that leads me to the third piece of good news – all that we need to carry out God’s plan, we already have!  

Again let’s look at what Paul has to say, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.” (Ephesians 1:3) And in case those spiritual blessings sound unattainable on this side of heaven, listen to Peter’s straightforward approach, “His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.” (2 Peter 1:3) In other words, because God is enough and you are His child, you have everything you need to live out His plan. 

And fourth, if you still feel at a loss, you are in good company! The Bible is full of stories of men and women – just like you and me – who messed up, doubted, and felt insecure. For example, Joshua was clearly afraid to lead (remember how God kept telling him to be courageous), Jeremiah thought he was too young, Moses was sure he was not skilled enough, and Esther was afraid she would lose her life if she stepped up. 

Let’s end where we started – with John 8:32, “You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” What truth do you need to believe to walk in freedom today? And what lie are you assuming that is holding you in bondage? 

God is ready and willing to set you free. Are you ready and willing to allow His Spirit to work in and through you?