Weight Loss, God's WaySample

ARE YOU A GIANT OR A GRASSHOPPER? ... POOR SELF-IMAGE

Scripture Reflection

“We even saw giants there, the descendants of Anak. Next to them we felt like grasshoppers …!” ~ Numbers 13:33 NLT

“See yourself as God sees you.”

How do you see yourself when you look in the mirror? Do you focus on your strengths? Or, do your eyes hone in on all the flaws? If we’re honest with ourselves, most of us focus on all that’s wrong with us rather than on what’s right.

Poor self-image is one of the big dream-robbers. It can be the cause of procrastination, excuse-making, blaming, lack of faith, and lack of self-control—to name just a few. It will affect how you see the world and how you think the world views you. 

In the story in Numbers, 10 men were sent to scout out land that God had promised the Israelites. The men returned with fearful stories of giants that would surely devour them even though their reports conflicted with Joshua and Caleb’s—two men with great vision and self-esteem. The 10 men had such low regard for themselves that they saw themselves as grasshoppers in comparison to their enemies. If you see yourself as small or incapable, or not worthy, then that’s exactly what the world will reflect back to you.

Here’s a biblical plan from this story to help you build your self-esteem:

• Believe what God says about you and what he has promised you regardless of what the majority of people (society, friends, and peers) might say about you. 
• Have the right attitude. Caleb trusted God to give Israel the land he promised them.
• Stand firm and declare positive affirmations to combat negative ones. Caleb declared, "We can certainly conquer it!" (Num. 13:30)
• Learn to distinguish God’s voice. God will never condemn you or make you feel bad. 
• When the Holy Spirit convicts you of sin, he will always direct you toward a specific action that you can take (John 3:19-21).

Today’s Health Challenge

Write down 10 things that you like about yourself. Choose 1 or 2 scriptures that reveal spiritual truths about who you are in God’s eyes. 

Today’s Confession

I am fearfully and wonderfully made. I am the apple of Your eye. There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Through Christ Jesus, the Spirit set me free from the power of sin. I can certainly conquer this stronghold and any other one that will come my way in Your matchless name!