God's Truth over Shame/Fear/Control

Monday we talked about the shame/fear/control stronghold (scroll down to see that post). Today we'll talk about how to defeat it. It's all about agreement – who are we going to agree with? The ungodly beliefs that give shame/fear/control legal right to oppress us, or God's truth – what he says about us.

Here's what shame/fear/control says versus what God says.

Shame says, “I am uniquely flawed; no one is as bad as me.” God says, “No temptation has overtaken me except what is common to mankind” (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Shame says, “I am fatally flawed; no one can fix me.” God says, “By his strips I am healed” (1 Peter 2:24). God says, “He was pierced for my transgressions, the weight of my sin was upon him” (Isaiah 53:5). God says, “He became sin for me” (1 Corinthians 5:21).

Shame says, “I am something bad.” Godly conviction says. “I did something bad” (1 John 1:8-10). God says, “I am fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14). God says he loves us (Psalm 139, Ephesians 1:3-14, 1 John 3:1, and many, many more).

Fear and control say, “I have to control my circumstances and situations.” God says, “I should cast all my cares on him because he cares for me” (1 Peter 5:7).

Fear and control say, “I have to make sure I enough with my own hand.” God says, “He will supply my every need according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).

So you decide. Who are you going to believe?