The three of us gather in chairs right there in my dining room. We go heart-deep and my dear friend Jennifer says words like these, “I’ve struggled with believing the lie that I’m not smart enough.” It’s a stunning confession to those of us listening because, as Suzie replies, “You’re one of the smartest people I know!”
Later Suzie admits she’s struggled with believing she’s not good enough. And we are again shocked because she’s a woman of faithfulness and excellence in our eyes. I add my own lie, that I have strived to earn my worth because I sometimes don’t believe who I am is adequate. Yet I’m the girl God has used to write books about embracing who we are and becoming all God created us to be.
A light bulb comes on as I realize suddenly that the enemy is lying to us in the area of our giftings.
I imagine he does the same with you too. Because I think the purpose of the lies is to hold us back from who we’re created to be and what we’re called to do. I will never forget Priscilla Shirer making a powerful statement that basically came down to, “The attacks on our lives are more about who the enemy believes we can become than who we are right now.”
These attacks are startling, but we need to acknowledge they’re a normal part of life as a believer — as a soldier and fighter. And they will be until we’re in heaven. We may have times when it feels like the lies have been fully defeated. But then they come back, and if we don’t understand the reality of what’s happening, we can feel a lot of shame and guilt. We can wonder, “What is wrong with me?”
I was praying about that one day and I felt like the Lord showed me all it means when we hear those lies again is that we are still in a battle because we are still living in a fallen world. If we’re soldiers on a battlefield and someone is shooting arrows at us is that a reason to be ashamed? Is that a reason to feel guilty? No!
That is reason to say, “You know what? I am a warrior! And I have fought hard and I’m going to keep fighting hard. I’m doing what my Commanding Officer has called me to do, which is to stand my ground and never stop fighting.”
So if you are in a battle today, if you are hearing lies, do not let the enemy shame you, do not let him make you feel guilty.
We can block those arrows and say, “No, in Jesus’ name, I am a warrior and I’m going to resist until the day I go home.”
There are going to be times when we need our sisters to lock shields with us too and say, “I’m going to take those arrows for awhile. I’m going to stand in the gap for you.” There is no shame in that either. In the Kingdom of God, there is no such thing as an army of one.
We are always stronger, better, and braver together.
So here’s my little challenge for us. When we hear lies this week, when we feel shame and guilt, let’s say, “This does not mean I’m a wimp. This means I am a warrior!” We are going to keep battling those lies together. We are never going to be defeated. We are going to stand firm on the side of truth. And we’re going to remember this: The truth always wins in the end.
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Holley,
It is so refreshing and encouraging to hear you point out that the enemy attacks us not in our area of weakness, but in our area of strength because he sees our potential there and wants to thwart it. This is really revolutionary. I have wondered why, after writing the books you’ve written, that you still battle with feeling adequate and enough. I see clearly now that encouraging others that they don’t have to earn and strive is your strength. Now you’ve got me thinking about the lies the enemy tells me …. about how my faith isn’t strong enough and is somehow a disappointment to God….Hmmm….wonder what God REALLY thinks? I struggle with the whole being good enough thing as well…wonderful eye-opening post!
Blessings and thanks,
Bev
Augusta says
Thanks Holley for a new insights. I pray for God’s Grace in always focusing on my strength.
Holley Gerth says
Bev, I really appreciate your words here. They’re very thoughtful and I love seeing you process through… Such a good question to ask: What does God say about this?
Janet says
Wow! That quote from Priscilla Shirer is a powerful one. Thanks for sharing it!
Sheila Siler says
Just what I needed to hear today. Thank you.
Ann Marie says
Thanks so much for this Holley, these lies are what are keeping me from really getting close to God. I mean how could He possibly love me, I’m not good enough, I’m unlovable. I am trying to constantly challenge these lies and some days are better than others, but I do struggle.
Kathi says
Ann Marie,
God loves you no matter what! I’ve struggled with that same problem of feeling like I’m not good enough, and how could God love me–a sinner! The thing is, he does love us, he wouldn’t have sent his son Jesus to die for us if He didn’t. You are enough, and God loves you and always will.
I pray that the thought that God loves you sinks into your heart and draws you closer to Him!
You are in my prayers,
Kathi
Holley Gerth says
Ann Marie,
I was going to reply but when I read Kathi’s words, I would be repeating her. So instead I’ll say ditto!
Mary says
I can’t even find the words to describe how much I needed to hear these words this morning as I struggle getting up to face the day. To know that I am not alone is encouraging. Blessings to all!
Michele Morin says
I see the truth of your words in my own life. This is certainly a battle, and I thank you for making me aware of this tactic of the enemy.
Donna says
Holley, this was such a needed reminder for me today. The lie for me right now: I’m letting everyone down – especially God. I am a failure at my calling. But….“No, in Jesus’ name, I am a warrior and I’m going to resist until the day I go home.” Thank you for this VERY timely message.
Karen says
2 Timothy 1:7 is a verse I (and many of you) are familiar with — For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity but of power and love and self discipline.
It is a great verse, full of truth. BUT, when I was studying to teach one day, I went back and looked at it in context. In verse 6, Paul is encouraging Timothy to NOT be afraid of the GIFTS he had been given. He starts off verse 6 addressing Timothy as “you”, but when we gets to verse 7 he refers to “us”. Seems that this attack on our gifts/strengths affected even Paul and Timothy!
2 Timothy 1:6-7 New Living Translation (NLT)
6 This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discip
Jamie S. Harper says
I love it this. Thanks for sharing more insight on one of my favorite verses!
Holley Gerth says
Thank you for sharing!
Julie Garmon says
Yes! Love this! Truth! Sharing~~~~
Julie
carol carner says
This really hit home ,I’m in a leadership position ,and the lie I hear is your a lousy leader. Thank you for the encouragement and truth,that this is the lie of the enemy.
Jamie S. Harper says
So much goodness in this post. Thank you!
Penny says
Holley,
Your post has really helped me with a recent experience, thank-you. You have reminded me not to be defeated by someone attacking my strengths.
I hope you all have a blessed day,
Penny
Kathi says
Thank you so much Holley, for these words that I really needed to hear today! I was feeling good this morning, until Satan tried putting thoughts in my head that started making me feel inadequate. I will not allow him to stop me from doing what God has ordained me to do on this earth for Him. Satan tries to make us believe his lies so that we don’t become all we can for Christ.
Thank you again!! I will use your message during times I need to fight the lies Satan tries to tell me.
God Bless:)
Mary W. says
Thank you for these words. I faced a situation this weekend I avoided since I was a kid. I had a panic attack as a result. I prayed for help in the situation. I felt God say over and over “You are loved.” It wasn’t quite the answer I had hoped for but it was what I got. Then I was reminded that perfect love casts out all fear. So the lie that I was weak, fearful and a wimp for having a panic attack was replaced by the truth of God’s love for me and how He loves me so much that He wants to heal me of deep, deep wounds.
Pearl @ Look Up Sometimes says
Mary, I so love what you shared! (Not that you had a panic attack; I’ve had them too — they’re awful) But how God answered your prayer and carried you through. Thank you to your brave and beautiful self for sharing. It gives me hope to be reminded that God loves us in our hard.
Holley Gerth says
What a beautiful reminder… you are loved, you are loved, you are loved.
Renee Tjapkes says
The lie I have believed is that I have to be enough.
Here’s the truth: I cannot possibly be good enough, strong enough, faithful enough, patient enough. BUT JESUS IS! And He has seen all my “not enoughs” and paid for them and fulfilled them in His perfect sacrifice for me.
Mo says
Love your sharing! I say to myself, “Jesus, you are more than enough and I love You too!”
🙂 -m
Olivia Jordan says
Thanks so much for sharing! It really does make seance that the enemy only attack us in our strengths.
I am always worrying about if I speak properly or am saying the right things or making myself understood because the enemy tells me that no One wants to hear what I have to say because I am not very smart.
I know it’s a lie so I have to remind myself often .
Holley Gerth says
You have a story worth sharing!
Olivia Jordan says
thank you!
Cindy says
I face the lies and the attacks from the enemy every day, always thinking I’m not good enough, smart enough, talented enough, even pretty enough, etc. The worst part is I’m not even sure what my spiritual “gift” is although I’ve heard that we, as believers, all have one (or more). My insecurities go way back but this year in particular I feel particularly useless and more open to attacks. My precious daughter went to heaven in March (she was 34 and my best friend). My son remarried, then moved far away taking my one and only precious granddaughter (who I had cared for daily for over four years). Now it’s just me and my husband again and we are trying hard to focus on each other; however I am now feeling like just a frumpy, old housewife with nothing to offer anyone! In my heart I KNOW that’s not true but the enemy knows my vulnerability! I am waiting on God to show me where he wants me and assurance that I too am a warrior and needed on the battlefield! Instead I find myself retreating and lost. Thank you for the encouraging words today. I will be praying for all of us women who feel the way I do. God bless you all!
Mindy von Gunten says
Oh dearest Cindy…I just want to hug you and have a big glass of wine (or coffee 😉 with you. You sound like such a precious person. What a year you’ve had. I lost my mom in May. Death sucks. I just wish there was a hotline to Heaven..right? You just want to talk to that person. Someday we will Thanks to Jesus. Hard now. So hard.
I wonder what stirs your heart? What makes you come alive? When you’re doing it..it’s not work…you get lost in it?
You ARE NEEDED. couple of great books pop into my mind “Waking the Dead” John Eldredge. “Captivating” Stasi Eldredge. “Crashing the Chatterbox” Steven Furtick When I just prayed for you…the book “You were Born for This” by David Wilkinson popped in my head. I haven’t read it it years…but there ya go.
I believe you are a beautiful, seasoned, gifted Princess Warrior. Ask your King to send you a love-note to remind you of how he sees you. Keep your radar up..because they come in the most unexpected ways.
Lots of love from Michigan
Cindy says
Dearest Mindy,
I am so sorry about the loss of your precious mom (mine is gone too) and I’m sending you a big hug back right now! You’re so right when you say we just want so much to talk to them again! I’m always telling myself (and my daughter’s boyfriend who is lost without her as well) that we WILL see her again. This world is so temporary and we know the end of the story! We are on the winning team and there will a beautiful reunion one day!
Thank you SO MUCH for the beautiful, caring and encouraging words you’be sent my way. I also want to thank you for the books you’ve recommended! I am definitely going to check them out!
Thank you for your prayers and please know I am including you in mine. I love these articles and the responses from sisters in Christ who care so much for one another. You have truly lifted my spirits today; more than you know! God bless you in a very special way!
Cindy
Nazila says
Dearest Cindy,
Sorry to hear about your loss. As you truely said we will see them one day in heaven thanks to our Lord. Just wanted to say many people long to be like you, have some free time to do what they couldn’t do before due to work or family commitments. You might want to try to see what you enjoy doing right now and give it a go, for example mine is taking a painting classs, helping people in women’s shelter or assisting young mothers with little children or aged people with their chores at home, gardening or baby sitting or even inviting for a coffee at my place 🙂 These are mine, but I’m sure you have yours as well sister.
Holley has written a great book called you are already amazing that has helped me in this area, combating those lies, you can check it out too.
Much love from Sydney Australia
Mindy von Gunten says
What a lovely note –thank you Cindy! Yes we KNOW the end of the story!
You’ve lifted my spirit as well. What a cool little community we create with just a few notes of love.
This is truly the body of Christ.
Hugs!!
Mindy
Beth Williams says
Mindy,
Losing a parent is never easy. I pray God sends you some peace and comfort. May He ease the pain in your weary soul! I lost my mom back in 2009 – the year she died. I often feel like I lost her two years before when she got really bad dementia and didn’t know anyone unless you showed up regularly.
You are in my thoughts!
Blessings 🙂
Mindy von Gunten says
Beth —
You are so sweet to reach out. Thank you. That TOTALLY sucks about the dementia. (my mom didn’t appreciate me using the word suck lol–but seriously it does!) I was very blessed that in the end she went quickly. Cancer. But you wouldn’t have known it. Some folks in her Sunday School class didn’t even know she was sick. She was a trouper. Lunch at Panera with friends …and a week later…gone. My Dad holding her hand in bed and she passed in the night. Jesus was a rescuer. What a difference it makes to know we’ll see these people in the not so distant future.
Big Hugs
Mindy
Beth Williams says
Cindy,
Sweet sister – I am so sorry about the loss of your daughter. May God bring a peace to your soul. You have the gift of wisdom. You are wise and can encourage and mentor the younger generation. They need to be reminded of God’s goodness. You can be a super prayer warrior. Have you seen War Room yet? It’s about an older women who mentors a young woman to pray for her husband and family and to fight the good fight! God and I see you as a sweet spirit who is full of love. Perhaps you could volunteer and share some of that love you have!
May God bring a sweetness to your soul and give you a fighting spirit to defeat the evil one! He is crafty and attacks us at our most vulnerable.
I will be praying for you!
Blessings 🙂
Holley Gerth says
Cindy, what a beautiful picture it is to see all of these comment replies from sisters we may never meet. What a picture of community. I wish I could give you a hug in person, but it seems like Jesus is giving you one through these comments. You are a loved warrior – don’t forget it! XOXO
Angelica Wilshire says
Super helpful. thanks for this article.
Sincerely,
Angie from Boston!!!!
Marjorie says
“The attacks on our lives are more about who the enemy believes we can become than who we are right now.” These words resonated with me today.
I was reading this blog and kept thinking, this sounds like Holly Gerth, so I looked back at the top and sure enough. You really have a gift Holly, it is such an honor to know you.
Bonnie says
SO helpful! Thank you! ♥
Laura Dennis says
Great post. I am going to link to it at the end of my review of “Do You Know You’re Already Amazing?”
Holley Gerth says
Thank you so much, Laura!
Joy Thacker says
Holley I resonate with your truthful words. As a therapist, I see people quelching lies only to have these same lies, or new ones, show their ugly heads again. Lies are all around us ~ outside and within, and attack at the most in opportune times. It sure is true these lies hit us in our areas of gifting. I’m putting together a conference, on this very topic, and I’ve wondered from time to time if it’s really important or helpful to do so. So funny. Thank you for sharing this much much needed truth. I’d like your message to be shouted from the rooftops. Lol. Thanks for writing and posting it. 🙂
Nancy Ruegg says
There are a couple of discouraging lies that drift through my mind every day. But you’ve given me some truth-arrows to fire back! 1) “That’s a lie, meant to discourage me in an area of gifting.” 2) “I am a warrior who will stand her ground and keep fighting.” 3) “I have brothers and sisters in Christ whose arms are locked together with mine.” Thank you, Holley, for strong truth that encourages and equips!
Nazila says
Holley, thank you so much for sharing this much needed wisdom and vision with us. Lately I’ve found myself attached with those lies due to the physical enemy (two persons) and sprirtual enemy (devil) that I am not good enough, that I never can be the one that I desire to be. But every time I feel those arrows attack me, I keep meditating on the words. God’s grace is sufficient for me! He never fails us nor forsake us. We are more than conqueres in whom we belong to, our Lord Jesus, the son of the most High.
I read your amazing book, ‘You are already amazing’ and found it really helpful in this battle. Thank your for being by your sisters side with your beautiful heart shared in your books.
Annetta says
Thank you Holley! Thank you also sisters who shared. Each post is like a gift. The support, reminder and encouragement I need, God gave through your sharing. I will face my today with new insights and a refreshed focus as I embark on my endeavour to make a difference for children….book is ready, webpages are set up, but my doubts have held me back from letting others know and clicking the buttons to make things “live”. I will now press that button and give thanks to God for the gifts and praise Him for the dream. Thank you my many sisters in the Lord.
Mindy von Gunten says
Yay!!!! Press that button and know that God laughs at your enemies…and you can as well. Daughter of the Most High King!! Cheers to stepping out of that boat !
Hugs & Congrats
Mindy
Christine says
AMEN!
Carmen says
Wonderful message. I heard it just this afternoon from my psychologist – I am enough and I am good enough. I just need to stop believing the lies.
Lisa Williams says
This is so powerful. I know the enemy is always doing his job by lying since he is the father of lies but I hadn’t made the connection about him lying to me about my gifting. That makes so much sense! Thanks for doing what you do and allowing the Lord to lead you as you share with others.
Cheri Johnson says
“The enemy is lying to us in the area of our giftings.” Oh boy, I needed to hear that today.
That, along with:
“This does not mean I’m a wimp. This means I’m a warrior.”
Thanks for the encouragement, Holley!
Pearl @ Look Up Sometimes says
Thank you, Holley! Your message was going through my head yesterday after I read it — timely. Powerful. Wow.
Robin L. Hureau says
Thank you Holley.
I love you all my dear sisters in Christ!
Beth Williams says
Holley,
I hear the lies almost daily. “Not good enough, dumb, not smart, ugly”. It can be a word someone said or a mistake I made. I pray daily reminding myself that I am made in the image of God Almighty! Never thought about it being an attack on my strengths.
This post also got me thinking about the song “Warrior” by Steven C. Chapman from War Room.
I see His smoke on the horizon
I feel my heart pounding in my chest
I hear the war raging all around me
Somehow I feel like I was born for this
I can taste the fear but I choose courage
As I raise my shield and lift my sword
And I fall on my knees and I fight like a warrior
I am a warrior on my knees
I call on the name of the one who is Conqueror
I’m more than a conqueror when I believe
The enemy trembles every time
He knows the battle is no longer mine
When I fall on my knees and fight like a warrior
Like a warrior
Daughters and sons we can hear you calling
Broken and weak we can hear your cry
And even though our enemy roars like a lion
The Lion of Judah is on our side
And he will go before us and behind us
Fighting on the left and on the right
And I fall on my knees and I fight like a warrior
I am a warrior on my knees
I call on the name of the one who is Conqueror
I’m more than a conqueror when I believe
The enemy trembles every time
He knows the battle is no longer mine
When I fall on my knees and fight like a warrior
Like a warrior
Our weapons are trust, our weapons are hope
In the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords
He says ‘I am with you, don’t be afraid’
I’ve already won this war
So fall on your knees and fight with me
We are the warriors
When we’re on our knees the enemy trembles
And I fall on my knees and I fight like a warrior
I am a warrior on my knees
I call on the name of the one who is Conqueror
I’m more than a conqueror when I believe
The enemy trembles every time
He knows the battle is no longer mine
When I fall on my knees and fight like a warrior
Like a warrior
Blessings 🙂
Mindy von Gunten says
Gotta check out this song…I saw the movie but don’t recall the song. Thanks!
Dori says
Please pray for my Mom. My Mom is in the last few days or hours of her life with Cancer. Its so difficult to see her in so much pain, she didn’t want medicated to the point she didn’t know things but now the pain, and she’s not aware of what is going on. We have kept her home as her wishes. I keep trying to remember the life she had and all the love she’s given. But I can’t imagine how I’m going to live without her. She has been part of my whole life everyday of my life. I’ve told her its ok to go. I told her everything will be ok. I know that she knows we will….but We can’t seem to let go. And I’m afraid to let her go……..Please pray that God will give me strength, Thank you
Sandy says
Dearest Dori,
I’ve been there. I know the tenuous line you’re walking. You hate seeing her in pain, but you don’t want to lose her. It feels like walking down a long dark corridor “knowing” there is a door at the other end, but afraid to go through and see what’s waiting for you on the other side. Someone (in this post even) has said death sucks – well I agree – it does. It is a harsh reality that everyone will have to face one day. But the super good news is that we never have to face it alone. I knew as I was walking down that path that Jesus was walking with us (mom and I) the whole time. I almost didn’t have to ask – He was just there. I felt Him, every time I held her hands or wiped her brow. He gave me the words to “sing” over her and they comforted me as well. He filled me with every ounce of love and peace when I needed it. I’m not saying it didn’t hurt or that it was easy, but having His sweet strength in my heart, soul, and mind is what made letting her go okay. And when she went, He told me that I will see her and hug her again. But He also told me that just because her body died, didn’t mean she died. I will always love her until I see her again. And when I miss her – I love her more!
But, we are all different. And Jesus knows you, Sister, very well and precisely what you need to get down that hall and through that door. Yes, I will be praying for you!
May I just add one more thing? He has also blessed me with many “moms” in my life! Beauriful, sweet, treasured women that I have met since her passing – 15 years now – that I love dearly! I have cried many tears with them, and they took such good care of me I know my own momma is smiling in heaven. Happy for me.
So “be of good cheer” Sister. Not for the pain or hurt you are going through, but that Jesus “has overcome the world!” (Jn 16:33)
Blessings,
Sandy
Cynthia Mae Shade says
Holly,
Thank you for rising up to your calling, and blessing us with this much needed, and powerful truth today! As was with so many of my other sisters on here, it was a divine intervention for me as well. I battled during the night ( as I have been for many nights on and off the past 2 1/2 years) with thoughts that I have no more purpose here on this earth, that God is disappointed, doesn’t hear my cries, that I’m worthless…on and on.
I’m in my late 50’s and have loved being a wife and mother to 4 wonderful adult children. I also, have been called to be an encourager and intercessor, as well. This truth today, ‘that the enemy attacks us where our strengths are’ hits home. Several years back as my husband began to pull away from God, I battled for him, for his heart, for US! I fasted and prayed and tried to be his best cheerleader, but knew his heart was hardening. As he drew farther away, the enemy began to hurl accusations, ‘ look, even your prayers aren’t good enough…YOUR not good enough!’ Then, facing the darkest day of my life 2 1/2 years ago, I allowed myself to believe those lies. I found out the man I believed I would grow old with, was being unfaithful. As he quickly severed any communication with me, all I heard was ‘ your not enough!’ He tossed me aside like trash, for the arms of someone else. I felt, and have felt, worthless.
I pretty much walked out of our home, (which is where I had also had my office for my business) and moved 300 miles away to be by family. I left what had been my life for 20 years., and stepped into numbness. I have grieved and grieved some more, the reality of losing everything and the life we had…who I was as a wife, business owner, etc.. Now, I find many days, Im wandering aimlessly, trying to figure out who I’m suppose to be at almost 60, trying to find a new job to financially support myself and not succumb to the lies that I’m just useless…that piece of trash, purposeless.
Yesterday was a dark day and I went to bed feeling weak…wanting someone to Just wrap their arms around me and say, “let me battle for you “…someone to help shoulder My load. I was restless and filled with fear for my future (as I am many days) . Then at 5 am, I cried out to Jesus, ” Please help me. Give me hope!” When I got up the HS spoke in a soft whisper the word ‘Encourage’. My thoughts immediately went to Incourage.me and Wow, when I scrolled down and found this post, HOPE seeped into my heart.
If there is one truth God has spoken to me, it’s that He says I’m still of value. As I speak into other woman lives about their value and worth as His girls, I should not be surprised when the enemy hurls lies right into my gut that I have no value. Today though, I’m reminded to get up, fight like a warrior and defend my title as his warrior daughter! Today, I have hope again because I have sisters standing next to me as we all connect our shields! Amen. Grateful.