I am who God says I AM

Well, we are now a week into lockdown here in Northern Ireland, and my children haven’t murdered each other yet. Always a bonus.

I love how so many have got on board and made a countrywide effort to reduce the risk of contamination and to keep themselves and their loved ones safe.

So far, I’m so thankful to be in good health and seem to have everything I need. That’s a lot to be grateful for.

Today I wanted to share with you a little of what this lockdown has felt like for me, because I imagine that I’m maybe not alone. Or perhaps I am, and that’s my point.

I’ll be honest, I was not one of the parents campaigning to have the schools closed down. Selfishly, I was well aware that teachers were going to do a much better job of educating my children than I would. I know, I know, the risks to health and that but, like I said, selfishly. But as the schools closed and the homeschooling began, I was full of great intentions for doing the best job I could possibly do… until my ten-year-old wants help with an English assignment and my thirteen-year-old with his science.

let me introduce to you… back by popular demand, our Guest on today’s show, the devil. And what will you be doing for us today sir, (devil) well madam, I’m just gonna take your identity, put it on this slab right here, give it a good hammering with this butcher’s hammer, before I sear it in a pan of hot oil and then eat it with a good helping of extra hot firey sauce.

And I’d love to say he stopped at the school work. Nadda, that stinky old poo had me confined to one space and he thought he’d have a real good swipe at the rest of me

(T) wow, look at that friend’s motivation on FB, how she gets up and does keep fit with her kids. (D) not you fatty, you’re too lazy and only think of yourself.

(T) I really want to get my house spring cleaned, but I  don’t seem to get a minute. (D) yeah you do, but you’re too busy laying about watching TV you big slob.

(T) I was really excited about all the extra time I would have to read the word and pray and talk to God. but I never seem to be able to quiet myself. (D) face it you’re a rubbish Christian anyway.

(T) I really miss my friends. (D) well, they don’t miss you, you’re a useless friend anyway.

(T) Terri (D) devil

And on and on it goes. I don’t need to tell you, the devil is a big stinky liar, and he comes to kill, steal and destroy. I know this, you know this, and yet here I am one week into isolation, and I’m starting to believe this bull he is feeding me… I’m a crap mum, I’m a fat lazy slob, untalented, unmotivated, crap Christian, useless friend.

Today as I sit and write this I’m as much talking to myself as I am to you. The devil wants to steal your identity at this time. Don’t allow him access. Kick him to the kerb, jog on loser. This heart is full of love and secure in her identity in Christ. I am what God says I am! No, I’m not perfect, and I never will be until the day I meet my King. But I’m a work in progress, and as long as I keep laying down my failings at Jesus’ feet and allow Him to transform me and renew my mind, I’m doing good.

Last night I was praying, help me Lord to do better in this season, help me be more disciplined with my time and not get distracted. Help me have better tolerance to help my kids with their work. Help me to be more motivated to get jobs done that I need to do around the house and, Lord, help me find peace to sit and experience your presence.

This morning, alarm. 6:45 am, up, Bible reading, prayer time, connected with a few friends on WhatsApp, and they came back to me. Got boys up, breakfast, and sat down to school work while I cleaned the kitchen and now the house is in complete silence while I write.

What a difference a day makes when you submit it to God when you take your life and say I need you, Lord. I can’t do this without you. Please help.

Can I encourage you, friends, if any of this resonated with you at this time or anytime, firstly open your door and boot that devil out (a bit of inspiration in the clip below). Get honest with God; he knows it all anyway, but he still likes to hear from you. Then give it to him, ask him to help, and leave it there. No more fretting, no more beating yourself up. Give it over and let God do his job.

I found it useful to make a list of all the things God says about me. Perhaps you would join me in making your own list and keeping it handy, so you can read it over and allow the truth of who God says you are sink deep into your heart.

 

I AM LOVED “Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭1:4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I AM MADE NEW “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!”
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭5:17‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I AM CHOSEN “We know, dear brothers and sisters, that God loves you and has chosen you to be his own people.”
‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭1:4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I AM HIS MASTERPIECE “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭2:10‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I AM PROTECTED “He will not let you stumble; the one who watches over you will not slumber.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭121:3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I AM UNIQUE “You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭139:13‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I AM EMPOWERED “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:13‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I AM HIS “But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says, “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭43:1‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Praying for every reader, stay safe & sane

Much love

Terri