Have you ever wondered where the voices of self-doubt come from? It’s usually very subtle. I’ll think about something I want to do or sense God calling me to, and a feeling of uncertainty comes over me. Doubt whispers “You can’t do that” or “You’re not good enough” or “I don’t know enough about the Bible…”
Ultimately, the source of such doubt is from satan. When the spirit calls us to action, the father of lies whispers, “It’s not that you can’t do it, but surely, someone else could do it better” or, he says, “With the sin in your life? Are you sure you are qualified to serve the Lord?”
Freedom from this type of bondage is found in truth. The truth of God’s Word exposes satan and his lie. We must take “every thought captive to the obedience of Christ” (2 Cor 10:5). We must remember that God does not ask for our success… he asks for our obedience! Regardless of our ability, our knowledge, our holiness (or lack thereof) these things are superseded by the work of the Holy Spirit in us!
Satan’s power is in the lie, and when his lie is exposed by truth, his plans are blocked. You don’t have to outshout him or outmuscle him to be free of his influence. You just have to out-truth him. God’s Word reminds us to, “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist.” (Eph 6:14). And, to remember that, “When the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth.” (John 16:13).
Do your thoughts line up with God’s thoughts? Do you believe Him when He says that you can, “do everything through him who gives (you) strength”? (Phil 4:13). We must go to God’s Word for truth. We must claim his promises and weave them into our thoughts. When we out-truth satan, God transforms our hearts by renewing our mind with His peace and confidence. Would you pray this prayer with me?
Lord, please draw me to your Word and expose me to your truths. I want to have a confident heart in Christ and be obedient to you in every area of my life, so lead and teach me in truth. When doubt tells me I can’t, remind me that my successes are found in obedience. Thank you, Lord, for your love and truth in my life! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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Do my habits of reading and knowing God’s Word show that it is a priority in my life?
Recommended Resource
Links in this section are Amazon Affiliate links to books we find helpful
Winning the War Within: A Biblical Strategy for Spiritual Warfare
Writing for the explicit purpose of helping believers struggling with sin, Dr. Adams explains in clear terms how Paul sets forth divine strategy in doing so. There is a thorough discussion of Romans 6 and 7 in which directions for fighting the flesh are given. The biblical process of overcoming habits and evil tendencies is explained. And the way to a new life of victory over sin is outlined.
Prayer Focus (Russia):
Russia is both spiritually open and closed at the same time. Orthodoxy is culturally strong yet spiritually weak in the lives of most of its followers. Millions call themselves Russian Orthodox without actually believing in God. Cults and sects, both Eastern and Western, and belief in the paranormal are common. Pray that the Russian peoples’ hearts will be hungry for and open to promptings of the Holy Spirit and the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Bible Study Tip:
When studying your Bible, hold off using notes in your study Bible, commentaries, articles, books, sermons, etc., until you have mined the text for understanding on your own (and with the help of the Holy Spirit!). Once you have spent time wrestling with the text, then turn to these external sources to enrich your understanding and answer questions that came up. Also, always remember that we are finite beings. Even the ability of the smartest theologian on earth to understand God’s Word is limited. We won’t find the answers to all of our questions, and that’s O.K. We rest in what we can know—the sovereign, omniscient, creator, good Father God holds all things together, has saved us from sin and death through the precious blood of His Son Jesus Christ and has raised us to new life together with Him, has given us His Holy Spirit to guide us and keep us, and will bring about the consummation of all of His promises in His Word at the return of Christ. God’s Word is so rich that we can study it our whole lives and still not know all there is to know within its pages. This is cause for praise!
Today's Quote:
Apply yourself to the whole text, and apply the whole text to yourself.
-J.A. Bengel
Dad Joke:
How did Darth Vader know what Luke got him for Christmas?
…He felt his presents!
