Change Your Thinking

I am telling you, God truly does answer your prayers and thoughts. I ended my day with a heaviness and many questions as well as self-doubt. Why can't I get this thing right? Does what I say make sense? Does my professor like my work, because it feels like they don't? Is this all I deserve in life? Is this it?

Now, to be clear, I know I am blessed with a wonderful home, family and friends. It's not that I am complaining about what I have or don't have. I am struggling with internal self-confidence. And, I know I am not alone. I believe what hurts me is the perception folks have of me as being strong, always put together, down to earth, don't take no stuff...that B'more chick. That sets people's expectation on a level that unfortunately short-changes me. Yes, I am a strong, independent woman. Part of it is my personality and part is I have had no other choice; I am single and self-employed. There is a strength, a motivation, a drive that comes with having to take care of self. And, on most days, I walk out my faith with confidence and clarity. However, that is not all the time. Within that same space is a person who fights with self-doubt, insecurities, frustrations and fear of failure. And, if you are truly honest you would admit that you struggle from time to time with this as well. Last night I prayed, acknowledging that I know the devil is trying to distract me from my tasks and destroy my faith walk and the relationships and assignments connected to them. I called him out and served him notice.

And, here this morning, not 8 hours later, I am reminded by @JoelOsteen's devotional, that those negative thoughts are strongholds. I will end here and allow you to read his words. I pray my transparency helps you and shames the devil. Walk in faith. Live in love. #joinme

"For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds.”

(2 Corinthians 10:4, NKJV)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Scripture tells us that there is a battle going on in our minds. Our thoughts dictate our actions. That’s why the enemy will do everything he can to get you thinking in the wrong direction. Sometimes, it’s not our own thoughts that are holding us back; sometimes it’s that we’ve believed the negative things that other people have spoken over us. Those words are like seeds. If you dwell on them long enough, they’ll take root and become a reality. In life, there will always be people telling you what cannot be done, speaking negative things. Too often we latch on to those negative words and develop what the scripture calls a “stronghold.” That’s a wrong thought or action that keeps us from God’s best. The way you break those negative strongholds is by rejecting the lie, forgiving the person, and embracing the truth of God’s Word. In other words, you have to choose to delete that negative file in your mind. Today, why don’t you take inventory of your thought life? Ask yourself, “Where did these thoughts come from? Do they line up with what God says about me?” Break the negative strongholds and embrace God’s truth so you can be all that God has called you to be!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, today I choose to reject negative thoughts. I choose to reject lies from the past. I break every stronghold through the power of Your Word and embrace Your truth which sets me free in Jesus’ name. Amen.

— Joel & Victoria Osteen