Feelings of Unworthiness: A Tactic of the Enemy

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Have you ever heard that voice inside your head say who do you think you are to be ________. You fill in the blank. That old and ever-on-the-job enemy of ours, Satan, likes nothing better than to cause us to doubt ourselves and walk away from the work God has given us to do. That’s right, that voice is his and that of his cohorts.

Satan has tried repeatedly to get me to give up writing. When he wants to undermine my writing ministry and work, he’ll say things like, “Who do you think you are to offer spiritual help or words of wisdom and encouragement? You’re not worthy of such a task.”

And you know what? Apart from the grace of God and his forgiveness and cleansing, I am indeed unworthy.

The fact is I mess up. I have issues. At times I struggle with doubt, confusion, and pride. Sometimes I blow it with sinful attitudes, harsh words, and selfishness. My relationships are not always all they should be. And because of these failures, Satan would have believe I’m unworthy to write and share God’s truth and messages of life. He wants me to believe that I’m not worthy of my task of Refreshing Spirits, Nourishing Souls.

But who, in fact, am I? I’m a child of the King. A servant called by God to write of the hope we have in him. Satan wants me to forget that. He wants me to quit writing of God’s love and hope and joy and truth. 

And even though the enemy delights in reminding me that I’m far from perfect, God’s Word tells me that I am forgiven, that I am loved. I’m called and equipped by God. And because Jesus paid the price for my sins and washed me white as snow, I am indeed worthy—worthy to be in God’s family, worthy to do the work he’s called me to do.  

And so, I will keep on writing for him. The enemy loses. I am a worthy child of the King.

“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” 2 Corinthians 4:7

*Do you ever struggle with feelings of unworthiness? What does Satan want you to think you are unworthy to do or to have?

*Flickr photo by PetteriO, Creative Commons License

Comments

  1. Debra L. Butterfield says

    Cheryl, thanks for reminding us that we are children of the King, forgiven and perfectly loved by Him. It’s so easy to think that no one else ever struggles with this issue because we all put on that “everything’s great” facade. I think the “who do you think you are to be _____” is the oldest trick in Satan’s book.

    • I think you’re right, Deb — and he’s a master at his tricks, isn’t he? Thankfully, we have a Master who is greater! Thanks for adding your thoughts. Appreciate you!

  2. Jennifer Dougan says

    Keep writing, Cheryl. None of us are perfect, and I love seeing how God works in and through all of us, despite us, huh? I liked this line: “a child of the King. A servant called by God to write of the hope we have in him. ” Yes! Me too, my friend, and I see Jesus in you!

    Jennifer Dougan
    http://www.jenniferdougan.com

    • Aww, Jennifer, thanks for your sweet and encouraging words! Yes, I’m so thankful God uses us in spite of us — I pray that quite often, in fact, for me personally. Thanks again for your encouragement. The same to you, my friend!

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