If you are anything like me, then you have an area in your life that you would consider a weakness. Maybe you are shy and tremble at the thought of meeting someone new. Perhaps you want to “throw up” at the mere thought of public speaking! Maybe you break out in hives or have an anxiety attack when you consider confronting someone for an offense. Maybe instead of these things, you run to the fridge, turning to food for comfort. If, by chance, you can relate to any of these things…BE ENCOURAGED, because you are not alone. Every woman I know has some form of weakness or insecurity that they live with…that WE live with! We beat ourselves up at the recurring drumbeat of the voice of defeat. You know the voice. It calls to you, “You will never overcome! You will always fail! You cannot measure up! Just who do you think you are any way for thinking you could ever…”
The voice of defeat comes from “the enemy.” We even KNOW THAT in our mind, but we choose to believe the enemy’s rhetoric because it’s easier than believing the “truth.” In many ways, it is comfortable and feels true because we cannot imagine seeing ourselves differently!
When feelings and truth are in conflict, God tells us to choose truth! “Take every thought captive!” He says (2 Corinthians 10:5). Why? Because the truth is that our feelings can lie to us.
Given the choice, this is not how I want to live my life. I desire more freedom in life and I want my faith to be bigger than my fears! I want to live out the purpose God intends for me to. I choose to live a life of joy and fulfillment. I believe in and pursue the abundant life Jesus speaks of.
“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10)
To experience abundant life, I must acknowledge two of the enemy’s tactics: He lies and deceives. (John 8:44,). He has been lying to me for way too long in my life and perhaps in your life too! One of my greatest weaknesses is to “writing” and “communicating” in general. Writing articles like this makes ME want to throw up…knowing that you may be reading it! Truly! I’m considering having a “barf bag” next to me before I push the “publish” button. So why do it? Why bother writing like this and risking discovery that the enemy’s lies might be true? Because I have realized that the enemy’s lies and devilish desire to keep me defeated in this area of my life are PROOF that the OPPOSITE is true! God MUST be just beyond my decision to believe, waiting to shower on me ABUNDANT LIFE if I only choose to believe Him for the truth. He is waiting for me to choose the voice of truth over the voice of defeat. He is waiting for my willingness to exchange my weakness for His strength because in His strength I can overcome.
“…My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness. …when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:9,10e)
My goodness! That Scripture is far easier to read than to live out! However, if I truly want more…more out of life…more of Jesus’ power manifested in me…then I must be willing to press through and do the hard thing! I must choose to believe Him. I must choose to live out what I say I believe! I must choose to rely on God’s grace to perfect my weaknesses…by His power and in His strength. Therefore, when I am weak, then I am strong.
I am ready and willing to exchange my weakness for His strength because, in doing so, my actions point directly back to Him! He becomes GREATER! So, it is time to become more; More than your failures and insecurities. Be set free to experience the abundant life that God designed for you. Pack up those “lies and deceptions.” Exchange them for God’s strength and truth. Ship them off with no return address and no receipt required! Then, get up and do it again…tomorrow.
Jodi, this is so true! Whatever you turn too in times of stress, it is too easy to turn to worldly things that end up hurting you either by causing upset stomach or added weight. I have fought everything you mention here. Public speaking was part of my last job, and literally I would have to take a “nerve” pill to cope. But what I should have done was pray to receive calm to be able to speak forcefully. I thank God for getting me through those years even though the only time I spoke to Him was a hasty, “Lord, help me!” before I got up to speak. I love your “blog” because being “a fur piece away”, it is good to stay in touch and aware. Love you all! Have a blessed day! Linda
Linda, Thank you for sharing your struggles and how you have grown wiser over the years. It’s one of those things that “if I knew then what I know now” things would be different. Love to you and the Mr. Keep in touch. 🙂
Phenomenal post Jodi! As I was reading I kept saying this should be published in LifeWay magazine for women. If this post doesn’t speak volumes to all women, then I don’t know what does.
Terrie, You are such an encourager, and I appreciate you more than you know! Thank you