Now for some vulnerability:
At our church, we are spending 8 weeks letting Jesus lead us out of the lies we believe, so I spent some time reflecting on mine.
This is my first time playing with pastels . . . This piece is my interpretation of a woman facing a lie she believes. She’s shedding tears, but being held up by a strong support.
My Lie:
Looking back on my life, there are many lies I’ve battled in different seasons, and Jesus has led me to His truth each and every time. Some of these still pop up now and again, and new lies sneak in all the time – especially when I’m not on guard against them. Did you know you have to fight the lies?
Here is one of those sneaky lies, and the one I have been most recently battling: “I am an inadequate mother.”
To be honest, those words don’t feel like a lie to me most of the time. Parenting is a struggle. I have 2 of the best kids on the planet. I love my kids deeply, and I’m so grateful I get to be their mom, but I often feel like I don’t have enough to give – not nearly enough patience or wisdom or comfort to overcome whatever it is that these little people are facing. I hate it when I can’t lead my kids through their overwhelming emotions. I carry such a burden to shape these little ones into healthy humans who shower their world with love and kindness, yet I can’t even get them to take an actual shower!
I know this feeling of inadequacy isn’t unique, but it is so heavy sometimes. I’m tired of carrying it. Did you know you can make a choice – you can continue believing lies, or you can allow God to replace your lie with the Truth.
I heard this recently: You can’t replace a lie with nothing – it will come back with friends. We have to know the truth that will defeat the lie, for good.
What is my Truth?
Of course I’m inadequate, but my inadequacies are not wasted when they lead me to lean on Jesus.
“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” – 2 Corinthians 12:10 (NIV)
I want my kids to know and rely on the power of Christ. If it takes a messed up, imperfect mom to help them embrace that life-giving power – then good . . . because they’re stuck with me (and I wouldn’t have it any other way)! Plus, the truth continues that when we are weak, then we are strong . . . I find great joy in this! So, let’s cast our cares upon Jesus and trust that he who began a good work in us will carry it through to completion.
For his Glory and our Good. Let’s live in the peace and joy that is only found in the truth.
#changethestory
byjenwaldron.com 