Hi friends! I have a guest post and a giveaway for you today!!

GIVEAWAY CLOSED: FRIDAY FEBRUARY 14TH

♥♥♥

a guest post from Renee Swope

LetGodLoveYou.ContestTitleOnly

Do you ever feel like you don’t quite measure up? Maybe you think you’re not smart enough, pretty enough, thin enough or as godly as you think you ought to be.

It is so easy to think that if we had more or knew more, we’d be secure. But the truth is, even people who “have it all” still struggle with feelings of insecurity. The Bible opens with the story of a woman who had everything, but it wasn’t enough (Genesis 2).

God had established Eve’s worth as His child and the crown of His creation. He also gave Eve every woman’s desire: intimacy, beauty, security, significance, and purpose. Yet Satan conjured up feelings of insecurity by getting Eve to take her eyes off what she had and focus on what she didn’t have.

Boy, can I relate. Like Eve, I’ve heard Satan’s whispers telling me I’m not all I could be—or should be. One day I was reading her story in Genesis 2 and noticed that his questions and suggestions were intended to plant seeds of doubt in Eve’s heart. He wanted her to doubt God and herself.

The enemy’s whispers tempted Eve to try to “be” more and “have” more by seeking significance apart from God’s provision. He convinced her something was missing in her life and that the forbidden fruit would make her be “like God.”

It was a foolish comparison, but all comparisons are. Yet don’t we do it all the time? If only I was like her . . . ifonly I had a house like hers, a husband like hers, a job like hers . . . if only my children behaved like hers. . .If only_______ , then I’d feel significant, satisfied and secure.

In 2 Corinthians 10:12, Paul warns us that those who “measure themselves by themselves, and compare themselves with themselves, are not wise” (NIV). Comparison will always leave us feeling like we don’t measure up. We can try to do more and be more, yet it’s never enough.

If only Eve had focused on who she was and what she had as a child of God. If only we could too.

Yet Satan wants us to focus on our flaws and feelings of inadequacy, then exhaust our energy figuring out how to hide them. But we don’t have to go along with his schemes.

Instead we can recognize his lies, refute his temptations with truth, and focus on God’s acceptance, security, and significance. Then we can thank God for His provision and His promises that remind us of who we are in Him.

Dr. Neil Anderson says, “The more you reaffirm who you are in Christ, the more your behavior and beliefswill begin to reflect your true identity.” So, the next time you’re tempted to use the measuring stick of comparison—be sure to measure UP   by focusing upward on Christ—remembering whose you are and who you are in HIM!!

When I say… I’ll never measure up.

God says… Don’t use the measuring stick of comparison, instead measure UP   by focusing upward on Christ—remembering who you are in HIM.

“… being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6 (NIV)

Lord, thank You that in Christ I’m accepted, secure and significant. When I’m tempted to find my significance and security apart from Your provision and promises, help me recognize Satan’s lies, refuse his temptations and stand in the power of Your truth. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

*Today’s post from Renee is a partial excerpt from her new A Confident Heart Devotional book. Used with permission from Revell Books.

FamilyPhoto: Renee Swope

About Renee

Renee has been married for over 20 years to her husband and best friend, J.J, and she’s a mom of three. She and her family traveled to Ethiopia in 2009 to bring home their beautiful daughter at the age of 10 months. Renee is also a best-selling author, speaker and radio co-host with Proverbs 31 Ministries. She and her family live in North Carolina where Renee has served in leadership on the staff of Proverbs 31 Ministries since 1995. You can find out more about Renee and her family at www.ReneeSwope.com.

A Confident Heart Devotional Renee Swope

About Renee’s NEW Confident Heart Devotional:

Do you ever feel like you’re not good enough? Does self-doubt leave you feeling uncertain about your ability to be the woman, wife or mom God’s called you to be? Expanding on her life-changing book, A Confident Heart, that has over 100,000 copies in print, Renee Swope has written a 60-day devotional that will encourage, empower and equip you to live confidently in your God-given roles, relationships, and responsibilities! Each devotion ends with a “When I Say… God Says…” statement and corresponding Bible promise, and a prayer to help guide your thoughts and emotions that day. Plus you’ll LOVE an easy-reference chart that includes all sixty ”When I Say…God Says…” statements for days when you just need a promise to hold onto!

Enter to WIN a signed copy TODAY!

Enter to win one of 2 copies Im giving away of Renee’s new Confident Heart Devotional book by sharing in the comments: Share why you’d like to read the book, and let us know what friend you’d give it to, if you won 2 copies.  Winners will be announced Friday.

 

LetGodLoveYou.Contest

ENTER the Let God Love You Contest

Find out how you can WIN a $50 gift card, 2 additional signed copies of Renee’s devotional book, and a beautiful 8×10 print from Emily Burger Designs at www.ReneeSwope.com