Seeing the Truth About the Lies

Both of them were upright in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commandments and regulations blamelessly. But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren; and they were both well along in years. Luke 1:6,7 (New International Version)

Discouragement is rooted in lies. The enemy of our soul enjoys nothing more than to take the circumstances of our life and weave his own story of interpretation for us. He loves to tell us that “this is happening because _____________.” If we are not careful, if we are not grounded in the truth, we will buy into the lies and become discouraged.

When tragedy upon tragedy struck in Job’s life his “friends” were quick to tell him that he must have been doing something wrong and God was judging him for it. When Paul was bitten by a snake the people assumed he must have done something wrong and although he lived through a ship wreck God was carrying out a judgment against him. The disciples thought a man was born blind because of his sin or his parent’s sin. In each of these scenarios nothing was further from the truth!

I have known friends who struggled with infertility. Some battle the lies that they must be doing something wrong. They feel like there are hoops God must want them to jump through before He will finally allow them to conceive a child. Questions flood their minds as they wrestle with their own thoughts. What lesson are they suppose to learn? What amount of faith are they to muster up? What attitude do they need to correct? Is it hopeless? Not only do they struggle with these internal issues, but “friends” make it a point to say inappropriate things that further discourage them.

While I cannot relate with their infertility, I am sure Elizabeth could. Just in case she or others would draw the wrong conclusion, the first part of this passage lets me know she and her husband had their lives and priorities in order. They were called upright, obedient, and blameless. Elizabeth’s barrenness was not a punishment from God but rather a backdrop to a miracle! God hadn’t forgotten her. He had His eye on her and an amazing plan in store for her. Her present circumstance was NOT the end of the story and neither is ours. We must allow God to define our circumstances rather than allowing our circumstances to define God. It is all part of walking by faith rather than by sight. No matter what we see, experience, or feel, God is still on the throne and still working through ways and thoughts that are higher than our own.

Father, help me to continually review the truth of Your character and heart . My emotions, circumstances, and feelings cannot be my barometer. You alone are allowed to interpret my story. Amen.

Faithful to Me - Damaris Carbaugh
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNoLUVTtr98&feature=related

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.