One of the first ministries I ever worked with was a group that was fighting against human trafficking. They helped victims who had been sold as well as women who had chosen the life transition out of the sex industry into new lives and new careers.
One of the most frustrating and bewildering things about working with the girls was that we were giving them everything they could possibly need for success.
We provided a roof over their head, vocational training, and emotional support. These girls all wanted to change, most of them came to us asking for help, and yet within months and sometimes even weeks some of them went right back into the old behaviors and patterns we had just pulled them out of.
Labels formed from lies are very dangerous.
See something had happened to these girls. Because of the trauma they had been through, they believed these lies about themselves. These labels were written on their hearts that they weren't good enough, they weren't smart enough that they couldn't do anything more, that they weren't worth anything more. We weren't able to change their behavior until we first changed their heart issues.
The difference between the woman who made no change at all and the ones who went on to ultimate recovery was one choice and it’s the same choice we are all faced with any time we come across a circumstance we don’t understand.
Am I going to choose to look at my circumstances and walk by sight based on my limited viewpoint, or am I going to walk by faith and trust that what God says about me and himself is true?
If he’s powerful enough to place all the stars in the sky and he’s loving enough to send his son to die in my place, then it must also be true that he is working out a plan for our lives. That our lives hold purpose and value and we have meaning.
The world shouts lies at us on a pretty consistent basis not only about God and his faithfulness but as I mentioned in the case with the girls he shouts lies about us. Most times when we feel down it is because we are believing one of these lies.
I want to take one minute and remind you of the truth about who you are.
You were fearfully and wonderfully made.
2. You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.
3. You are a child of God.
4. You are wise and righteous.
5. You are redeemed and forgiven.
6. You have a great inheritance.
7. You are chosen and loved by God… He knows every hair on your head.
8. You are God’s incredible work of art.
9. You are valuable and created in God’s likeness.
10. You are loved and nothing can separate you from the love of God.
When the enemy tries to lie to you, set your mind on these truths.