The past couple of weeks I’ve been hearing about the supposed “Month 7 Slump.” It’s in conversation, blogs, World Race email updates…it’s all over the place! For a while I was kind of puzzled. What is this so called Month 7 Slump??? Apparently plenty of squadmates have been feeling it, and even some of my direct teammates have been experiencing a bit of a slump. I was confused as to why I wasn’t experiencing such a lull, but I definitely wasn’t complaining.
Then today happened.
But let me backtrack. Ever since we entered Laos, I have felt such an intense, heavy, dark presence of the enemy. It’s not pleasant. Our first few days in this country I literally had a hard time breathing and just felt physically ill due to the presence he has in Laos. It might sound crazy, but it’s the truth. My teammates and I prayed against it consistently, but I was still feeling that weight every day. I didn’t want to give the devil unwarranted attention, but I also didn’t want to foolishly ignore his schemes. I felt trapped for a bit, like I couldn’t win either way.
It’s been a daily struggle, and honestly it’s been absolutely exhausting for me. The other day, I felt more attacked than ever. I just felt so overwhelmed and assaulted by the enemy in every way from morning ‘til night; it was a rough day. I felt pretty defeated…but I got back up with the help of my friends.
Well tonight I got to a place that I think many Racers face at some point. I reached the moment where I just don’t want to be on the Race anymore. At all. I trust this will pass, but right now, no part of my (physical) being wants to be here. But in Christ I am a spiritual being, and I intend to see this journey through by the strength of the Holy Spirit. I refuse to leave the Race early, because I made an 11 month commitment to God.
…so where does that leave me?
At this realization, I first felt: stuck, alone…hopeless. I mean, I’m at a place where I don’t want to be but am committed to staying. Ugh.
Then I spent some time talking (basically whining) to Jesus – but I (somewhat stubbornly) allowed Him to speak to me as well. I spent some time with one of my beloved squadmates, talking and listening and working out this junk I’ve been battling. And I was hearing so much truth. Truth that totally conquers and overcomes what the enemy has been feeding me day in and day out the past two weeks.
So here I am, still battling the lies. But I’m choosing to fight back each specific lie with specific Truths that Jesus speaks to me. I’m choosing to run this Race and say yes to what Jesus has for me!
Here are a few of the lies the enemy has been telling me, and the overpowering Truths I’m choosing to believe about my identity:
Lie: I’m too focused on the desires of the flesh, and I can’t overcome them. I am defined by what I’ve done.
Truth: Jesus has overcome my shame; He took care of it on the cross! My identity is in the holy and blameless name of Jesus. I am not a physical being but a spiritual being. I have strength through the power of Jesus Christ to overcome any spiritual battle.
“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.” – Romans 8:1-2
Lie: This is happening, because I’m not wholly loved by my Father.
Truth: I am loved by Him. It’s who I am.
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: ‘For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.’ No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 8:35-39
Lie: I’m alone. I’m striving to have a good relationship with Jesus, and I’m just not hitting the mark. I’m not “spiritual” enough. I’m not a good enough Christian.
Truth: I am a Son of the King. I am redeemed. I am beloved. I have a purpose. I am saved by grace and seated with Christ in the heavenly places. I am His, and He is mine.
“He chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.” – Ephesians 1:4-6
Lie: I’m not doing enough for the Kingdom. I don’t have any real spiritual gifts.
Truth: The Lord has anointed me for purposes far beyond what I can see! I am chosen by Jesus, and He uses me for His divine purpose every day.
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free.” – Luke 4:18
Lie (and this might be the biggest one): I can’t escape this darkness of the enemy.
Truth: The Light of the World lives in and shines through me, and He can overcome anything.
“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” – 1 John 4:4
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life and have it abundantly.” – Jesus
John 10:10
