I used to think the road signs that say “hidden drive” were saying that there was a secret road ahead. As hard as I tried, I never found one, though.
What can I say? I was a kid. Kids think of all kinds of quirky things.
But even though kids have the reputation of believing the fantastic, I don’t think they really grow out of it because there are a lot of things we believe as adults that just aren’t true.
Now some things don’t really matter that much, but some things do. They shape how and what we think about the big things like God, family, and our place in the world.
Like what, you say? Well, I’m getting to that, but first I want to explore how to identify a lie.
The trick sometimes in finding a lie is knowing what the truth is. At the risk of sounding redundant, because I know I’ve said this many times, the only way to gauge whether we’re on the right path is to use the only compass we have: the Bible.
If something contradicts scripture, then it’s wrong. Plain and simple.
Now that we know what to look for, let’s dive in.
5 Lies I Won’t Believe Anymore
#1 – You’re a failure if you don’t do what you’d planned.
Didn’t find a job in the field you studied? The world says you failed.
Didn’t become the lawyer you always said you wanted to be? The world says you failed.
God has a different take on it. I think about all the things I’ve planned over my life, and I’m so thankful God had different ideas. You see, God’s plan is so much better than anything we can imagine.
Now I don’t think this means we shouldn’t plan. Waiting on God doesn’t necessarily mean we shrug and say, “He hasn’t done anything yet.” That reminds me of the quote from the movie Facing the Giants: “Two farmers prayed for rain. One waited. The other prepared his fields.”
Part of my trusting God is working toward His will for my life, but sometimes I can’t see His will clearly. So I have to be ready to change my plans to meet His as He shows me more and more.
So instead of feeling like a failure when things don’t go as planned, I’m going to pray for discernment and guidance and subject my plans to God’s, always thankful He loves me and wants the best for me enough to wreck them.
#2 – Those who don’t know their history are doomed to repeat it (Edmond Burke).
What was your history teacher’s response when you asked why you needed to take his class? I’m guessing yours was the same as mine: those who don’t repeat.
I’ve gone all this time believing that. I’ve even said it myself.
Now I’m not so sure it’s true. At least, I think part of it’s true, but a lie is a lie even if only part of it is a lie.
It’s true we, as a whole, will repeat history, but is there anything we can do to really stop it?
I say repeating history has less to do with the knowledge of it and more to do with knowledge of God and, more importantly, love of God.
Because when we subject ourselves to His will, we’re not just following the new, old way of living. We can know at least we’re not repeating the negative.
#3 – Women, you can do anything a man can do and make sure that you do.
I know there’s discrimination. Don’t get me wrong. I know in some countries women are second-class citizens at the mercy of the men ruling them.
But that’s not the norm here. There’s something wrong when we teach our girls to resent men and to take everything he has.
We weren’t created to be the same.
There are things men can and should do that we can’t or shouldn’t. But you know what? There are things we can and should do they can’t. It’s called balance, and both sexes are stronger when we’re balanced.
#4 – These are your best days.
Never, in a million years, would I go back to relive my high school and college days.
Those were not my best days.
I shudder when I think of all the time spent trying to grow up: feeling alone in my awkwardness and being afraid someone would see it and not want me. Never ever would I choose to go back to all that.
I’m looking ahead because, for those who love Jesus, our best days are not behind us. In fact, nothing on this earth can compare to our best days.
#5 – Believe what you can see.
I heard the old saying the other day a bird in the hand is better than two in the bush. I definitely see the logic in it, but I see something else too.
I see our tendency to rely on what we see rather than on what is actually there.
Our eyes can deceive us. They can’t possibly pick up all there is, and to only trust what they show us is like walking through a fog and ignoring the “crazy talk” of others who say there’s a canyon ahead.
We can’t see the wind, but it’s there. We haven’t seen God, but He’s here.
Besides, we miss God’s best when we hold too tightly to what we see.
There are many more lies than these five, but I don’t want to call out everything. This would be one long post if I did, and that’s not the point.
The point is to learn to identify the lies around us—to turn to God to tell us what’s true and what isn’t instead of relying on our frail intellects and feelings.
We’ll be happier, stronger in our faith, and a brighter light to those around us.
So what lies have you identified? I’d love to know your thoughts in the comments.
I’m liking rounding up a few resources related to each post. I hope you are too.
- The Wonderful Differences Between Men and Women from Crosswalk
- How to Believe in What You Can’t See from Crosswalk
- 4 Important Reminders for Overcoming Imposter Syndrome from HISsparrowBlog
We sure tend to believe lies, don’t we? I’ve had to correct many that I learned growing up. Thanks for sharing on Grace & Truth!
We sure do, Aimee. I’m so sorry it took me so long to respond. I really appreciate you stopping by.
I was struck by The lie that these are your best days…something I’ve struggles with since motherhood no longer requires the constant energy it did. Finding a purpose beyond that constant expending of time and effort is difficult. Seeing that lie on the page made me realize I have believed it to some extent. Thanks for the challenge to reflect!
It’s easy to look at our past and think it was somehow better than the present … rose-colored glasses as they say. I’ve been bad about that. I imagine the quietness after little ones grow older can be hard, but there’s good in the now too. Thank you for stopping by. God bless!
Your post reminds me of Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord….plans to prosper and not to harm you…” Great post! Fear can so easily paralyze us, can’t it? I am visiting from Tell His Story where we are neighbors this week. God bless you!
Hi, neighbor! Thanks for stopping in. I love that verse; it’s one of my faves. And I think you’re right, it definitely applies here – especially to lie #1. Thanks again! Blessings to you.
I’m thinking about keep doing everything the same and getting the same results, I think it is a definition of insanity, but I know there have been times that, faith, hope and love were in me and things still went wrong, we have an enemy and other people to deal with and God has perfect timing.
So true! I do things over and over so many times and expect a different ending. It is insane. But sometimes things just don’t work out through no fault of our own. Thank you for stopping by.!
I found out it was an Albert Einstein quote.
I especially appreciate you talking about lie #3. It breaks my heart to see the attitudes so many women have in this area and what they are teaching their daughters and other women. Thanks for speaking truth into these lies!
Thank you, Donna. I appreciate the encouragement, since I wasn’t sure how that one would be received. It hits close to home because I’ve fallen into that trap too. Thanks for saying ‘hello.’ Blessings to you.
I’ll often pray for God to show me the truth, but see it is also important for me to pray to ask God to keep me in His truth! I’ve always loved David in Psalms asking God to show any wrong in his own heart. We can be surrounded by lies, and myths even that sound so true! Yes, the bible is the source of truth and you never have to apologize for repeating that! Great post!
That’s a great reminder, Lynn. That reminds me of the passages when Satan tempted Jesus: part of what he said was true. It can be difficult to spot a half-truth. Thank goodness we have help to figure it out. I’m so glad you stopped by. God bless!
So much wrong thinking that we just accept as truth. I’m always reminded how necessary it is to be renewing our minds – constantly. So much information, opinions, thoughts to process every day – we truly need wisdom. The lies you have put aside are good ones. I agree – but especially with #4. Goodness, I don’t want to “go back” and pray that I will “press toward the mark” each new day and phase of life I have!
So true, Jennifer! May we always run everything through our Jesus filters. Thanks for stopping by! God bless.
Ashley, you certainly hit it on the head! I especially resonate with lie number 2. I have a son-in-law who was adopted and doesn’t know his history. It’s a bit challenging for his family, especially when it comes to health issues. But the TRUTH is that Jesus healed us by His stripes, and whether you know your history or not, it is imperative to know that TRUTH. Every morning when I pray, I start by asking God what’s on HIS heart and what He wants me to focus on. Asking Him to show me what and how to pray has totally changed my prayer life. Sometimes the things on our hearts get in the way of what’s on His heart. I know that submitting my will to His enables me to see the TRUTH when I hear the lies of the enemy.
Thanks for the beautifully written post. I shared it via Facebook. (Also, thanks for visiting my blog!)
I never thought about asking God what He wants me to pray. That’s great advice. Thanks for stopping in!
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