Okay, I Admit It

Okay, I admit it.  I am having a pity party.  It just seems like in every direction I turn I am discouraged.  Satan has been throwing fiery darts of lies at me for several months now...and the sad thing is that after so long, I'm tempted to believe them.

"Look at the lack of motivation in your students.  If you were a good teacher.  You could motivate them."

"You are wearing that dress, again?"

"Your clothes are out of style.  You could be the poster girl for What Not To Wear."

"Your kids enjoy being with your husband more.  He is more fun than you."

"You can't serve God.  You are a looser in everything."

"The girls in your teen group like Mrs. ______  better than you.  After all, she is so much more put together than you are."

Then there are the circumstances...Some of my students really are doing poorly.  But, the Lord knows I have done every thing I know to do to encourage them.  Yes,  I have neglected my wardrobe...I am definitely not a fashion plate.  But I don't dress to please others.  I dress to please the Lord.  My husband is the one that has the energy to play with the kids, when I feel like I'm going to drop.  But they still beg for my attention as well, and come to me with needs that only a mommy can fill.  I do feel as though nothing I touch is going well right now.  But I know that this is just a "season" and things will change and get better.  And Mrs. ______ IS much more put together than I. And I should not view her as a threat, but tap into her knowledge and love for my girls to help them grow into even greater Christians.  

But it's days like this, that I just want to sit down and cry.  So I will.  I will cry.  I will cry out to the Lord.  The One who thought so much of me, that He went to a cross and died for me ( John 3:16).  The One who formed me in my mother's womb (Ps. 139:13).  The One who cares about me, and the things that matter to me (I Peter 5:7).   (Eph. 4:1) The One who has called me to be in the position I am in to minister to this group of girls.  The One loves me more than I can imagine.  And again, I will hold up my shield of faith and withstand those fiery darts that Satan is sending my way.  I will not...no matter how many days, months, or even years I am under attack, listen to Satan.  I will be me.  The me that God in His love and infinite wisdom made me to be.  I am not here to please others, or win a popularity contest.  I am here to do what God has called me to do.  So I will do it. Wholeheartedly.  Day by day.  In God's strength, and with God's help.  (Rom. 8:31)!

Maybe you too have been plagued by some of the same sort of lies from Satan.  Maybe different lies...but Satan knows just where to hit us doesn't he?  If Satan is speaking lies to your heart today, you can overcome those lies.  First, recognize them as what they are...LIES (John 8:44).  Second, know that God is the God of truth (Titus 1:2).  Third, know that if you are saved, greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world (1John 4:4).  And last...take a few minutes to look up verses that speak truth against the lies that Satan is sending your way.  Commit those verses to memory, and the next time Satan comes at you with those lies, do what Jesus did...and use God's Word against him.  Then sing praises to the Lord who loves you and made you just as you are!