“I just don’t feel like doing it.” And so I did absolutely nothing on day one. I stayed in bed all day. Day two – I felt the same. Not only was I unproductive, I was discouraged and I was overwhelmed with anxiety. Days melted into weeks, weeks into months, before I knew it, six months was lost. I was stuck. I didn’t know how to get out of the pit.
Maybe you can relate. Ed Silvoso says a stronghold is “a mind-set impregnated with hopelessness that causes us to accept as unchangeable situations that we know are contrary to the will of God.” I didn’t know that strongholds prevent us from seeing what is true because of how they make us feel. I still had long-buried feelings of shame. I didn’t think I deserved to be forgiven. I felt unforgiven, unloved, and ashamed; I felt unworthy and condemned. These lies Satan fed me prevented me from believing God’s truth about myself. I knew about the freedom and abundant life God offers us, but I thought it was for everyone else but me. I didn’t know that strongholds prevent us from seeing what is true because of how they make us feel. When we are adopted into the family of God, no one erases the “hard drive” of our emotions, memories, or mistakes. We come into the relationship with our heavenly father with false beliefs and coping mechanisms. Neil Anderson says, “Strongholds are mental habit patterns of thought that are not consistent with God’s word.” Mine needed to be dealt with.
We find the answers to how to tell ourselves the truth in Ephesians 4:22-24, “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”
So let’s break it down — how do we tell ourselves the truth? I am so glad you asked.
First, we must “put off the old self,” and this means to move away from guilt, shame and blame. Disown these things. They don’t belong in you. We can evict these toxic attitudes towards ourselves by declaring God’s word over our lives and our whole being. This happens by understanding and owning up to our identity in Christ.
What do I mean by “understanding our identity in Christ?” (see chart). This perception is absolutely essential to living the victorious Christian life. No matter what comes our way, in Christ we are secure. Our mistakes should not define us. God doesn’t hold our sins, mistakes, or missteps against us. The real me is in my identity in Christ. Once we know what God says about us and believe it to be the truth, everything about how we view God and ourselves changes. If you are a Christian, then you can find the Identity In Christ statements that are true of you at www.ficm.org.
Secondly, we must be “made new in our mind.” How is this possible? It is entirely available to each of us when we choose to allow God’s word to transform our minds by reading it, praying it, saying it, memorizing it, listening to it and keeping it at hand.
Romans 12:1-2, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Can you relate? What roles are you playing to cover up your true self? Are there situations in your past that you need to acknowledge and be freed from? Which of the statements of truth about your identity in Christ is your favorite?
The choice is yours – you must choose to think your thoughts, allow God to renew your mind and heal your hurts by the power of his word.
Lastly, we must “put on the new self.” We discussed owning our identity in Christ, but the daily “putting on of our new self” happens most effectively when we choose to live in the truth by renewing our minds with the truth. Another term for this is “stronghold busting.” We must realize our belief system may not be in line with what God says is true in his word. As we allow God to bring to the surface lies we may have believed, we can examine each falsehood that is exposed, renounce the lie we have believed and announce the truth from God’s word. When we choose to do this for forty days, we can reach the goal of transforming our minds.
If we make the decision to start the process, God will help us take the next steps. With His help, you can be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Come against the lies you have believed about yourself. Start telling yourself the truth. Now.
Let’s pray,
Heavenly Father, thank you for the truth. Help me to know the difference between the lies I’ve believed in my old self, help me to take off the old self and put on the new. I need your renewal, restoration and refreshing – thank you for the invitation to be transformed. I ask you to show me Your will – Your good, pleasing and perfect will. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Exchanging hurt for hope is Sheryl Giesbrecht’s focus—a message she shares with audiences as a radio and television personality, author and speaker. A dynamic teacher and motivating leader, Giesbrecht has endured many changes and challenges, moving her to a deep faith, trust and dependence on God.
She served as Focus on the Family’s columnist for Pastor’s Wives for four years. Hundreds of her columns, magazine and devotional articles have appeared in Focus on The Family Magazine, Just Between Us, Discipleship Journal, CCM, Walk Thru the Bible’s – InDeed and Tapestry publications.
Giesbrecht’s radio show, “Transformed Through Truth” is nationally and internationally syndicated and heard daily by over 10 million listeners on networks across the United States. The Holy Spirit Broadcasting Network shares the show internationally on seven continents. “Transformed Through Truth” launched as a 30-minute internet television teaching feature in March 2017. To view this amazing teaching time, go to www.HSBN.tv.
Sheryl has a heart for missions and is avid about reaching out to the poor and needy, locally through the Rescue Mission and worldwide through various ministry partners. Giesbrecht is a Lead Like Jesus Facilitator and missionary with Freedom In Christ Ministries (www.FICM.org) and has been personally involved with equipping hundreds and facilitating the training of thousands of leaders internationally. Sheryl’s latest book is entitled It’ll Be Okay: Finding God When Doubt Hides the Truth.
The joys of Giesbrecht’s life are her children and thirteen grandchildren. She is excited about the new beginning she shares with her marriage to Dr. Jim Turner. Sheryl holds a Bachelor of Arts from Biola University, a Master’s in Ministry and a Doctorate of Theology.
Learn more about Sheryl Giesbrecht on her website, www.sherylgt.com. She also invites readers to follow her on Facebook, and on Twitter (@SGiesbrecht).
