Our Own Worst Enemy
- April Ross
- Aug 26, 2024
- 3 min read
“I was letting the lies of the devil make me feel less than, but Jesus was there saying that those that love and follow Him will not walk in darkness but have the light of life.”
“I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.” Psalms 34:4-5 NIV
It may come as a surprise to you, but us women are our own worst enemy. We are constantly belittling ourselves and putting ourselves down. Even during times when we are being praised or congratulated, we try to play it off as no big deal or push the compliments away.
Why do we do this?
I recently got sick with a sinus infection. I had a cough, sore throat and lost my voice. All of this started just a few days before our church’s VBS, and I was in charge of a preschool station. I still was able to go and do my job, but I was miserable and definitely wasn’t able to be my funny self with the kids. I let the devil convince me that I was unfit and useless to teach.
Once VBS was over, I spent several days in bed or on the couch trying to get better. I, again, let the lies from the devil say I’m a horrible mom, because it’s summer and my kids were stuck around the house because of me. I finally got put on an antibiotic and cough medicine to help fight my infection, and I started getting better. But within a few days I had an allergic reaction to the medicine, breaking out in sores (like acne) all over my face, neck and chest. I felt like a kid going through puberty again, with acne and a cracking voice. I let my self-confidence plummet! Again, I let the devil speak lies to me.
Sunday came along, and I tried to make up an excuse to not go to church. My husband lovingly told me I looked fine and should go. I snuck into our seats, trying to avoid interaction with others, because heaven forbid anyone see me. The praise and worship team started to play “Give Me Jesus” by UPPERROOM, and the lyrics hit me like a ton of bricks. I felt Jesus there beside me saying, “SNAP OUT OF IT, WOMAN!”
I’m a child of God, I am His and He is mine. Just give me Jesus, I want nothing else but Him. I was letting the lies of the devil make me feel less than, but Jesus was there saying that those that love and follow Him will not walk in darkness but have the light of life! I want my life to proclaim Jesus and not the lies of the devil. So at the end of service, I confidently went around and talked with others, refusing to let the devil's lies stop me from shining.
So Ladies, let’s stop being our own enemy and start showing others our strong faith and confidence with Christ by our side.
So, let’s take action!
First, stop! When thoughts come in to destroy your light, knock them out with scripture! God's word is full of “I am” statements! I am an overcomer! I am daughter of the one true King!
Instead of being your own enemy, be a cheerleader, for yourself and for others. When we get up and get out into the community, we are not only helping others, we are becoming a beacon of God's light to others.
Get your praise on! Listen to “Give Me Jesus” by UPPERROOM. When life isn’t going the way you planned, this song can help remind us that Jesus is the only thing we need.
Let’s pray Ephesians 3:16-19 over our lives: I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Dear Jesus, help us to cast away the lies and doubts from our minds, remind us of your truths for our lives. In your holy name, Amen.
Written by April, a just give me Jesus mom of 3