Fighting Words

Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”

Dear Kids,

Satan is a crafty enemy who uses many tactics to shut down those who are Christ-followers. One successful approach is to convince God’s children that they are helpless and unable to do what they are called to do. I know this because this is something the enemy has used on me.

I have never been a very confident person. Though I can come across as very self-assured, I have always struggled with a feeling deep inside that says I am not good enough. These feelings became so strong at one point that I came to a place where I really started to believe that I was not good enough to do even the simplest of tasks. When asked to clean a house for someone, I panicked thinking that I did not have what it would take to accomplish the job well.

Thank the Lord I finally realized where these paralyzing thoughts were originating. They were vicious lies whispered in my ear by an enemy who desired to shut me down. He knew that I am a child of God and have the power of the Holy Spirit available to me and he decided to attack me where I was weak.

Through Bible study and prayer I recognized that I needed to combat these feelings with truth, so I memorized today’s verse. From that day on I have quoted this promise every time I have felt the vicious, self-degrading words slipping back into my mind. I now know that I have the ability to do all that God has given me to do. He will supply whatever I lack to help me to accomplish His will.

How about you? Has Satan ever used this tactic to try to keep you from trusting God and doing what He has planned for you? If so, then memorize this truth. And the next time you hear the enemy’s fighting words whispering, “You are not good enough to do this,” stand tall and fight back with the truth of God’s Word – “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me!”

Love,

Mama