Holding the crisp pages in my trembling hands, I kneeled and spread the note before the Lord. My sense of direction, peace, and joy was lost. The enemy’s whispers had become resounding. I realized the only way to regain steadiness was to go to God for answers. It was time to face the enemy’s lies that had replaced God’s truths in my life: the lies that kept me bound to fear, disappointment, and discouragement.

The paper I held so tightly contained the lies from the enemy that constantly swam in my mind. And I came to petition God for reassurance of the truth. At the Holy Spirit's prompting, I searched His Word to find out His answer to the taunts, and I replaced them with the truth.

The Lie: You will be defeated.

The Truth: Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. (1 John 4:4 ESV)

The Lie: Fear will overtake you.

The Truth: God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. (2 Tim. 1:7 ESV)

The Lie: Your prayers will go unanswered.

The Truth: “Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.” (Jeremiah 33:3 ESV)

The Lie: You do not have the ability, physical strength, or intelligence to accomplish anything for the Lord.

The Truth: I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13 ESV)

The Lie: What you are asking for is too big.

The Truth: “Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is anything too hard for me?” (Jer. 32:27 ESV) “For nothing will be impossible with God.” (Luke 1:37 ESV)

Crocodile tears flowed as peace enveloped me on that morning a few years ago. And I wish I could say I’m never plagued by doubt and fear anymore. I wish I could tell you I no longer struggle to believe God is good all the time and I never feel defeated. But that’s not true. The difference now is I quickly run to the truth of God’s Word. I have a plan of combat in place.

I’ve concluded that I can’t reason with the enemy. I can’t attempt to argue with my own words. It is God’s Word––His Word, alone––that can defeat the enemy.

Prayer

Dear Father,

The enemy works to keep us bound to fear, doubt, and defeat. We humbly ask You to remind us of Your Word. Help us believe Your truths over the lies of the enemy and walk in the grace and freedom it affords. Thank You for hearing our prayers and strengthening our hearts. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Ponder

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (Philippians 4:8 ESV)

What falsehoods does the enemy whisper in your ear today? I encourage you to make a list. Let today be the day you recognize the lies and replace them with God’s truths for you.