I'm Not Taking it Any More

I sat at a table with three successful men. As I listened to their experiences and accomplishments and saw them struggle to engage me in conversation, that sinking feeling, that faint whisper of failure creeped in.

Who are you? What have you done?

I recognized the lie immediately and commenced the battle in my mind. Who defines success? Man looks at the outward appearance. God looks at the heart.

But really, what success have you had? You are so small. Can't anybody do what you do?

It's true I haven't had a full-time job since 1990. I don't earn any money, the worldly measure of worth. I don't have a title or impressive credentials. How do I measure success? Where can I find validation? It's certainly not from my daughter who takes eye rolling to a professional level or from my son who complains he has no clean underwear.

See? You're a nobody.

Sigh.

What have you done? You're nothing compared to these guys.

No. That's not true.

You're not in the same league. You don't stack up with them at all.

No! You're wrong. How do you articulate the value of touching others' lives? I have a file folder full of kind words from others proving what I do matters. My work may not be impressive or outstanding in a worldly sense, but God says it's important.

And the sneaky serpent slithered away.

I'm not taking it any more. I don't have to prove my worth. I only have to align myself with a Holy God. As others list their achievements, I can ponder His mysterious work in my life.

And know my value.

Don't believe the father of lies, my friends. You are not a failure. You are not inept. You are not a nobody. Don't sit back and take his condemnation. You must fight! What are you missing while wallowing in Satan's web of deceit? If you are a committed child of God, you are chosen, holy and dearly loved. You are forgiven and set free from the bondage of proving yourself worthy. You have within you the Holy Spirit, empowering you to achieve anything God may ask.

Don't lay back and accept defeat. What are the devil's lies keeping you from doing? Fight! Don't let him rob your confidence. Don't take it any more.

Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith . . .And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

1 Peter 5:8-10