Exposing Lies and Embracing Truth

He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies. John 8:44 (New American Standard Bible)

Jesus had no trouble identifying the originator of lies. It was Satan. He is a master at seeking out our places of vulnerability and tailor making a lie to introduce to our thinking. We would do good to be aware of his tactics, our weaknesses, and the opportunities he takes to combine the two. It helps to look at his past track record with us and see the patterns that arise. It requires knowing ourselves well enough to realize the areas he is most likely to continually attack. I don’t know about you, but I grow weary of his repeated schemes. I want to learn from the past in order to be better prepared for the future.

For years, I bought into his lies about God. The character assassination is still fresh in my mind. He had me convinced that God tolerated me more than loved me, was disappointed in me, was a harsh judge, had a love that depended on my performance for Him, and barely knew me. The lies stuck for decades until the truths of Scripture began to be seen and embraced by me. Once I saw what God was really like, the lies lost their hold. Now that the lies no longer work in that area, he has slithered his way into other domains. His most recent attack has to do with relationships.

A precious friendship recently fell victim to my insecurities and the enemy’s lies. No one has been involved in my life longer or remained more consistent than this individual. She has never hurt me or given me any reason to doubt her sincere love and acceptance. But that didn’t stop the enemy from gaining a foothold in my thinking. I pondered the lies and ended up sending an email full of questions and doubts. With the graciousness and love of Jesus, she responded with truth. Her view of me and relationship to me has not changed. The lie was exposed and renounced as the truth was embraced. What Satan meant to destroy, God strengthened!

I cringe at revealing this side of myself but I do it in hopes that others might see a similarity in themselves. It is my desire that the lies and tactics of the enemy be exposed for all to see. He is a ruthless and defeated foe! May today be a day of victory in Jesus.

Father, You have used Your Word and a gracious friend to reveal truth to me. I am humbled, not shamed, by it all. Make me wise and discerning as the enemy prowls. Amen.