Planting truths and uprooting lies
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Have you ever fought a losing battle with a garden full of weeds? You pulled weeds only to have them come back again and again, so the cycle repeats. One thing many gardeners have learned is to replace those weeds with something stronger. A thick and beautiful groundcover makes it hard for weeds to get through. Sure, one or two may reappear, but not with the previous strength.
The same process occurs when pruning lies from the enemy from your life. You've probably experienced feelings of doubt and discouragement that impact your view of yourself and God. When this happens, it is important to recognize the lies and remind yourself of the promises and truths in God's Word.
As you name the lies, it is like pulling out the weeds. This is the first step. But they will come back if you don't replace them with something stronger. In John 8:31-32, Jesus offers us a truth that will make us free, and that truth comes from God's Word. His Word tells us who He is and who we are as new creations in Christ.
We've compiled a list of common lies the enemy tells us and have provided Scriptural truths that replace the lies:
- Lie: "I am not enough."
- Truth: "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9).
- Lie: "I will never have enough."
- Truth: "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty" (Philippians 4:11-12).
- Lie: "I can't."
- Truth: "I can do all things through him who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:13).
- Lie: "I need more wealth to find security."
- Truth: "I will say of the LORD, 'He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust" (Psalm 91:2).
What truths do you need to plant in your heart to replace recurring lies from the enemy? Pick a Scripture that contains a truth to replace each lie that you have internalized. Place it somewhere you will see regularly—a bathroom mirror, the refrigerator, your cell phone or computer wallpaper.
Try to memorize it, so that anytime the lie comes up, the truth will be like that thick and beautiful groundcover that keeps the weeds out, and even if a few lies manage to get through, they can be easily uprooted.
Adapted from "Healthy Money: A 30-Day Journey Toward Spiritual, Emotional, and Financial Freedom" by Callie and Rosario Picardo.
 | Callie Picardo, CFRE, has spent her career working in finance and charitable giving. She currently serves as Vice President for Development at United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. She loves building relationships with donors of the seminary, hearing their stories and inviting them into God’s work at United. She views fundraising as ministry, regularly caring for and praying with donors. In 2011, she founded Deep Roots Financial Coaching, a business that helps individuals, families and churches align their finances with God’s word. Learn More » |
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