Speak TruthSample

What We Need to Lose

An interesting story in the Bible is found in Genesis 12:10–20, where Abram and his wife Sarai (their names were later changed to Abraham and Sarah) traveled to Egypt due to a famine in Canaan. Abram instructed his wife to tell people in Egypt that she was his sister instead of his wife. His reason was to protect himself. Because Sarai was so beautiful, Abram was afraid that he would be killed, and Sarai would become the property of Pharaoh.

Pharaoh saw Sarai’s beauty and was immediately drawn to her. In Egypt, when the ruler of the country sees something he wants, he takes it no matter who owns it. Abram’s plan worked and ensured his safety. His arrival was well received. Pharaoh sent gifts to Abram in exchange for Sarai, but then the Lord intervened and sent troubles to Pharaoh. "But the Lord afflicted Pharaoh and his house with a great plague because of Sarai, Abram’s wife." (Genesis 12:17) Pharaoh realized his troubles began when Sarai was taken into his palace. Angrily, Pharaoh accused Abram "sharply" and demanded Abram tell the truth. Pharaoh gave Sarai back to Abram and quickly escorted them out of the country, along with his servants and all of his possessions.

Lies work until they don’t. We all fall for them, ignore them, tell them, and propagate them. Lies of every size are convincing. Unfortunately, we are prey to the lies abounding in this world. We have a heavenly strategy and have weapons to use in the ever-advancing truth war. We have a sword, God’s Word, and the Holy Spirit, who helps us discern the truth and slice through the lies we’ve believed.

Do you suffer from fear, anxiety, discouragement, or insecurities? The best practice I can give is to fight the lies we tell or believe with God’s truth. One of my favorite verses that’s stuck on my bathroom wall is John 8:31–32 (NLT), Jesus said to the people who believed in him, "You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings." "And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."