Welcome back to the Womens Bible Cafe™ as we review week three from Lies Women Believe by Nancy Leigh DeMoss. This week we focused on lies women believe about themselves.

(image: Unsplash)

Nancy DeMoss writes “What we believe about ourselves determines how we live.” By now you realize that if you believe you are a victim- of your past, of a relationship, or poor health- then you will live your life like a victim.

Using imagery, I want you to visualize yourself wearing the princess crown God created for you as His daughter. Imagine you have removed the crown… you’re looking at the inside etchings and you eyes fall on beautifully written words. Do you see the word “victim” written inside your crown? Are you a cancer victim, a sexual abuse victim, a victim of past abortion, a victim of an affair…or are you a Daughter of the King? We don’t want to minimize your pain and downplay your experience, as healing is very important for you. However you might need a reminder of who you are in Christ. With Christ in you…how can you ever see yourself as a victim.

God has united you with Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made him to be wisdom itself. Christ made us right with God; he made us pure and holy, and he freed us from sin.  1 Cor 1:30 NLT

When we live in our past and condemn ourselves for having an alcoholic parent, a neglectful father, a mentally ill relative or another challenging relationship… we are believing lies about who we are and not living in Christ.
When we choose to be in relationships where we feel rejected, shamed, unempowered and helpless… we are believing lies about who we are and not living in Christ.

When we exhaust ourselves trying to do everything and be everything as daughters, mothers, girlfriends, sisters and wives….we are believing lies about who we are and not living in Christ.

When we look in a mirror and see an aged woman, overweight body and unattractive features…we are believing lies about who we are and not living in Christ. As I review the list of lies I see a common factor within: all the lies stem from what we read in magazines, watch on television and feed our minds. When our focus is on the things of the flesh, we miss seeing the things of Christ.

Examine your heart and see if there are any distortions that do not belong. When Christ sees you…what does he see?

So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.  Galatians 3:26-27 NIV

To be a victim is to blame Satan when we fall into temptation. To be a princess is to acknowledge our mistakes (sin), ask forgiveness and receive grace from our Father God.

“Once we have received His love, we will not have to compare ourselves to others; we will not focus on “self” at all. Instead, we will become channels of His love to others,” writes Nancy DeMoss.

Imagine yourself putting the crown back on your head and this time imagine what God would say to you. And then reflect Jesus to others by the beauty of your heart.

Assignment For the Next Week

• Pray for the women who are doing this study with you.
• Read Chapter Four in your book and companion guide.
• Look at the list of Key Resources on page 269 for topics addressed in this book
• Check in with your Small Group Leader

Have a great week…stay on track with your reading and may you grow in truth!
God is good…always!