Students believe so many lies society has told them about their purpose, identity, and future. God's word is full of truth. So let's tackle some of those lies and speak truth into the places.
IDENTITY AND PURPOSE
Lie 1: “I’m not good enough”
Our culture tells us that we’re not good enough, skinny enough, clever enough, popular enough. In essence, we are told by society that who we are is just simply not good enough. So we try to work harder, get better grades, look better, get more social media likes, fit in more. We try to lie in an attempt to make ourselves different than who we really are.
Truth 1: “Jesus died for me, so I am more than enough”
God created you in the depths of the earth and declared you fully known, loved and wonderfully made (Psalm 139) You were made in God’s own image (Gen 1:26-28), when He made you He said: it is good (Gen 1:31). Jesus knows all your gifts and flaws, strengths and weaknesses, and knowing ALL of who you are, deemed you worth dying for. When He died for you He essentially said: YOU ARE ENOUGH! You can’t earn His love or your own salvation, as it “by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own works; it is a gift from God” (Eph 2:8-9)
Lie 2: “I’m too young or inexperienced, someone else will do it better”
So many times, we make excuses and disqualify ourselves from doing what God has designed us for because we think we’re not ready, not experienced enough or that someone else could do a better job. You might not serve at church because you’re “inexperienced”. You might not share your faith with your friends because you’re not as good at it as someone else you know. You think about the future and think God can’t be calling you to do the impossible because you’re “too young”.
Truth 2: “God uses anyone and everyone for His glory: including you!”
When Jeremiah says he is too young, The LORD said to him, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you.’ (Jer 1:7). When Moses says he cannot speak, the Lord said to him, “Who gave human beings their mouths? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.” (Exodus 4:10-11). In fact God has history of using underdogs; the disciples were fishermen, tax collectors and assassins. Paul literally persecuted Christians, and God used him to spread the gospel all over the world. Noone can live out the call on your life better than you, because God designed you with your calling in mind. He doesn't call the equipped, He equips the called. So go make disciples, go share the gospel, go live out your calling, because all things are possible through Christ who strengthens you (Philip 4:13).
Lie 3: “My feelings are true so I follow them"
Emotions have a place, but they can be liars. Our feelings are not facts, and often aren’t the truth. When you don’t feel good it’s easy to think God isn’t good. When you don’t feel loved you may think God isn’t loving.
Truth 3: “Jesus is the way, the truth and the life - follow Him!"
Scripture tells us however that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). The truth is that how we feel about God doesn’t change who He is, Jesus remains the same, yesterday, today and forever (Heb 13:8). Unlike our feelings, God stays the same and is always good.
