A few days ago, at our month 5 debrief in Japan, we were treated to an amazing message from our squad “mom” about the lies we believe, and how they can hold us back from walking in freedom. She challenged us to speak out those lies, then declare truths over ourselves.
I sat off to one side, listening as person after person stood up to abandon their lies, and seize their truths.
I sat.
I thought.
I resisted.
I convinced myself that the lie I believed was not worth sharing.
Before I knew it, I had to battle another lie that told me that I missed out, and was a failure for not speaking.
A day later, the session was opened with worship, and I felt a stirring in my heart which told me I needed to find a way to reveal my lie and declare my truth. Unbeknownst to me, that night we were asked to share anything that was laid on our hearts. Perfect.
The minutes ticked on as person after person stood up to share wisdom, encouragement, and vulnerability.
I sat.
I thought.
I resisted.
I convinced myself that the lie I believed was not worth sharing.
Before I knew it, I missed out, again, and felt that I was a failure, again.
So here it is. Here’s the lie that I couldn’t share before; now posted on the internet for all to see:
I believe that people “put up” with me, but would never actually choose me.
I struggle with believing that my life plays a part of God’s plan.
I believe that the things I have to say are not important or valuable.
And I’m afraid that because of my quiet personality, my potential will never be recognized.
Why was this so hard to stand up and say that day? Because voicing it alone would mean that I believed my voice is worthy of being heard.
But here’s what is true:
I am wholly and unconditionally loved by the Maker of the universe, who sought me out and paid a huge price for me.
“In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to
the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed
on us in the Beloved.” – Ephesians 1:5-6
God has an amazing plan for my life, and I play a role that nobody else can fill.
“For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot says ‘because I am not a hand, I am not a part of the
body,’ it is not for this reason any the less a part of the body… But now God has placed the members,
each one of them, in the body, just as He desired.” – 1 Corinthians 12:14-15, 18
I am worthy to be heard because I have power and authority as a daughter and heir to the King.
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be my witnesses both
in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the Earth.” – Acts 1:8
And I know that God has an amazing plan for my life, and I cannot miss out on anything He has for me if I am in His will.
“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those
who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed
to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; and these whom He
predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom
He justified, He also glorified.” – Romans 8:28-30
That’s a pretty awesome picture of what He’s painting for my life. And from this day forward, I choose to walk in these truths.
