It would seem that a man who was seventy-four and had been a believer for fifty years and a missionary would have it all together. But for me, it was not true. I was short-tempered, especially with my wife. When my children were still home, there were times when I was good and times when I was not.
One day, my wife informed me of an online marriage seminar. A bit spendy, but it sounded positive, and our marriage needed it. We applied and were accepted along with our money.
About a month in, we had a phone counseling session with the husband of the team leaders. We liked them, and they had high hopes for us. During the call, he asked me rather bluntly, “Charlie, how many times a day do you think you are a failure, or stupid, or can’t do anything right? Ten, maybe twenty. How many?”
My senses told me all day long, every day. I refused to answer his question.
So he sternly asked again, “Charlie, how many?”
I gave in and said, “All day long, every day.”
To this, he asked, “Who is telling you these lies?”
Again, I remained mute.
“Charlie, who is telling you these lies?”
I responded rather ashamedly, “Satan.”
His voice came loud, stern, and clear, “Charlie, then stop listening!”
His remark shocked me back into reality. I committed never to believe these lies again, and I still refuse to think I am a failure, even when I make a mistake. I looked back on my life and realized I am relatively smart. I also realized I do most things well. My whole demeanor changed, so much so that my intimate fellowship with the Lord has been, for the most part, great.
Take time to ask God, “What lies do I believe?” He will answer you. When He answers, commit not to believe that lie anymore. Sometimes it’s good to write the lie on a piece of paper and flush it. Don’t keep a list of your unbeliefs.
Charlie Hendrickson is a writer.