By Sandy Kirby Quandt

Have you ever replied to someone’s unkind words with, “I know you are, but what am I?” As a child, I know I sure did. The other person’s words were spoken out of spitefulness, and their intent was to hurt us. Most times those words did hurt, despite the phrase about sticks and stones and broken bones.

As adults, we may face the same cruelness from others, yet it’s disguised. Not so blatant. Or maybe it is. Each situation is different but the desire to inflict pain, cause us to doubt our worth, or question our abilities is nonetheless the same.

One thing I’m learning is we don’t have to prove ourselves to anyone. God’s opinion of us is the only one that counts. The only one that matters. And God calls us his beloved.

God knows us by name. In fact, Isaiah 49:16 says God has engraved our names on the palms of his hands. He knows every tear we’ve ever cried. He knows all about us, good and bad, and loves us anyway. Nothing reaches us that he hasn’t either permitted or planned.

When Satan starts telling us lies, we need to shut him out and listen to what God tells us instead.

God will never leave or forsake us. He loves us. He has a plan for us to prosper and to give us hope. He has a job he wants us to do for him that no one else can accomplish.

God sent his son, Jesus, into this world to die for us. To take the punishment we deserved upon himself and nail it to the cross. Our resurrected Savior is preparing a place in Heaven right now, so those who claim him as their LORD can live with him forever.

So when the lies and taunts start to fly around us, we should remember God’s truth and ask the Holy Spirit to plug up our ears against those lies. We need to tell the Great Deceiver, “Nanny, nanny, boo-boo!” and move on.

Agreed?

What are your thoughts on the subject? Leave your comments below.

But you belong to God, my children, and have defeated the false prophets, because the Spirit who is in you is more powerful than the spirit in those who belong to the world. 1 John 4:4 (GNT)

I wish you well.

Sandy

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