Seeing Past the Lies
And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV)
What do you think about yourself?
Often when asked that question, our thoughts immediately turn to insecurities, doubts, and fears.
My friends, these are lies the adversary plants in our minds in an attempt to thwart God’s plans to prosper you, and to give you hope and a future. (Jer. 29:11).
In February we looked at transformation through the lens of growth and grace. The lens of growing deeper into who we are created to be as a unique reflection of God, and accepting the grace God freely gives, in his unconditional love for us, while also giving ourselves grace for the seasons we experience and the challenges that go along with them. In March we looked more closely at how we can grow deeper into our unique reflection of God, and in April we began to examine our challenges, our perceived stumbling blocks, and how to turn them into stepping stones for growth.
While we are all a unique reflection of God, for no one person can reflect the full magnitude of who God is, we do share some commonalities at the core of our creation. We must awaken to these truths in order to live fully into the life of purpose he has prepared for us.
In my youth I was taught, in error as I now know, of a woman’s place within the church. Part of my struggle with depression was the wrestling match I found myself in, where I felt as if God was pulling me toward something more, yet that something more felt sinful because of the ways I had been taught.
Meanwhile, a precious friend of mine who attended a different church would visit from time to time. She shared how she was becoming a Christian leader, and I would listen with rapt awe. The stories she shared made my heart sing, yet Sunday after Sunday, I received a different message, and it smothered any flame that had begun to kindle.
When I came to Long’s Chapel in 2011, I was a mess. I had lost sight of my identity in Christ. To be honest, I’m not sure I’d ever had a true grasp on how God sees me. For the first time, that small, almost smothered flame began to kindle and grow. Through wonderful new friends, mentors, and pastors, I began a path of discipleship, where I learned that I am already made complete in God. It was only my awareness of this fact that was lacking. The veil was lifted so I could see. It’s not about measuring up or being perfect, it’s about the journey of spiritual growth. Of growing closer in relationship with God, in part through connecting with and growing more into the woman He created you to be.
Allow me to share some of the spiritual truths I’ve learned along the way:
You are beautiful (Ephesians 2:10 NLT tells us we are God’s masterpiece…)
You are loved (Romans 8:39 NLT tells us “nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God…”)
You are worthy (Luke 12:6-7 NIV Are not 5 sparrows sold for 2 pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs on your head are all numbered. don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.)
You are whole (Ephesians 3:18-19 NLT “…may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to fully understand. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.”)
You are gifted (1 Corinthians 12:7 NLT – A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other)
You are transformed (Romans 12:2 NLT Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
You are courageous (Joshua 1:9 NLT says “This is my command - be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”)
You have hope and a purpose (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.)
What lies have you absorbed that need a new perspective?
We invite you to prayerfully meditate upon these biblical affirmations, as you allow them to permeate your being and fill your soul.
Heavenly Father, we ask that your truths and your unconditional love and grace would fill our hearts and souls, pushing past the walls of lies that may have been planted there. The enemy has worked against us, through the words and actions of others, and often through our own inner thoughts. Capture those thoughts, we pray, and replace them with the truth of your lens of love and grace, that we may see ourselves as you see us, and in turn live into the life of purpose you have prepared for us. We pray in the precious name of Jesus, amen.
-Laura Greer
Women2Women
Women2Women is a ministry that encourages women to cultivate an intimate relationship with Christ, while also exploring how God has uniquely created, gifted, and called each of us. We connect with women where they are in life’s journey, providing opportunities for spiritual growth, health and wellness, intergenerational fellowship, friendship, and mentoring. Events and retreats are targeted to the needs of women so we can grow deeper in our faith, develop our gifts and abilities, and establish long lasting friendships. For more information contact Laura Greer at (828) 456-3993, ext. 204 or Laura.Greer@LongsChapel.com, or Vickie Staib at (828) 646-8819.
