Surrendering Lies

I was saved at the age of seven, but I spent decades believing lies like “you’re not good enough,” “you have no purpose” and “you’re a failure.” They almost became part of my identity and I think a big reason for that was because I wasn’t fighting them properly.

I kept the battle against these lies in my head. I would pray, of course, but kept it internal and didn’t involve reading the Bible, playing worship music or seeking encouragement from an accountability partner. When I did speak, I would just repeat the lies going through my mind, which reinforced them because I was the one saying them out loud. 

The Bible calls Satan “the father of lies” in John 8:44. Lying is his “native language.” He’s so good at it that he can fool even the most devout Christians. 

I experienced breakthroughs in this area a few years ago when I realized two things:

     1.  The enemy can’t read our minds. He can only plant thoughts.

     2.  There is power in speaking the truth out loud. It changes the environment.

We can’t rely on mental willpower and internal prayers to survive spiritual attacks. We must fight back using our sword (God’s Word) and proclaiming the truth using the name of Jesus, who has “all authority in heaven and on earth” (Matthew 28:18).

If you’re a Christian, you have the power to surrender lies from the enemy. Jesus has given you that authority. Now it’s time to use it. 

As I do in my book 50 Lies of the Enemy (and How to Silence Them), I’m going to cover a few examples of common lies from the enemy, explain via the Bible why the aren’t true, then equip you with verses, words, prayers and songs that proclaim the truth.

Lie #1: You’re Not Good Enough

This lie is so easy to believe. People put us down at school, work and on social media. We compare our lives to others. We have upbringings that make us feel inadequate. While a tiny portion of this lie is technically true — we can’t be “good enough” to get into heaven, for example — Jesus died to take away the sin that separates us from God. And that, along with the fact that God has a plan for everyone, is proof that you are good enough.

Truth #1 I am good enough because of Christ. God sent His only son to save me. Where I am weak, Jesus is strong.

Verse: “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me,” (Galatians 2:20).

Prayer: Lord, I’m struggling to see my worth right now. I don’t feel good enough. I know you sent your son to save me, but I’m having a hard time feeling worthy. The enemy tells me I'm an exception or that you’ll eventually change your mind about me, but I know I have value in your eyes. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Song: “All Because of Mercy” by Casting Crowns

Lie #2: No One Loves You

At the core of our being, what most of us want is to be loved. That’s why this deception hurts so much. But God loves you so much that He sent his son to die for you. We can lose sight of that in moments of rejection or while dealing with difficult relationships. But you can disrupt this feeling with prayer and trying to have faith in the midst of your feelings. Think about it this way: if you found out that one of your children was suffering with feelings of being unloved, would you want them to sulk and dwell on those emotions, or would you want to talk to them? To let them know that it’s not true? God is similar. He is always there, waiting for us to turn to him.

Truth #2 I am loved. God sent His son to die in my place. I will show love to others despite my feelings.

Verse: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life,” (John 3:16).

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for loving me. I know what you’ve done for me and it’s still honestly hard to believe that anyone would die for me. But you know what I’ve done, what I’m doing and what I will do — and you chose me anyway. I know I’m loved because I put my trust in you and you are love. Help me feel your love. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Song: “How He Loves” by David Crowder Band

Lie #3: You Have No Purpose

Does it ever feel like you’re just killing time until you get to heaven? This goes to show that even Christians can struggle with finding purpose. But if you’re alive today, that alone is proof that God still has plans for you. He may be preparing you for His calling and there’s some waiting and uncertainty involved, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have a purpose. Just as Joshua had to wander for 40 years before leading the Israelites, David had to wait more than a decade to become king and Noah had to wait six months to disembark from the ark, you may have to wait for a time before God’s purpose is revealed in your life. You’re exactly where you need to be.

Truth #3: God has a purpose for my life. I will keep seeking his calling. God’s plan for me is greater than my enemy’s.

Verse: “The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands,” (Psalm 138:8).

Prayer: Dear Lord, I’m struggling with purpose right now. The enemy is telling me I don’t have any future, but I know you have a plan for me. Glorifying you is more important than any accolades I could achieve in this world. Remind me, Lord, that you still see me. Help me persevere and trust you completely. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Song: “Thy Will” by Hillary Scott & The Scott Family

By proclaiming the truth out loud, it will be easier to surrender these lies to God. Remember that the next time you face a spiritual attack or dwell on thoughts you know aren’t true. It’s time to stop believing the lies of the enemy!