Know the Truth

Sheryl Landry
Jun 30, 2017
3 min read

We’re all friends here; so, let’s talk.

I’ve failed recently. I’ve lost things over the last couple of years. Some of my plans have gone sideways (others went completely upside down!) I’ve been physically exhausted. I’ve procrastinated.

And let’s be honest, it’s a crazy position to be in: having a “God idea” and encountering resistance to the point that you want to walk away and say “God get somebody else to do this…I know that I said ‘not my will, but your will be done’; but, ummm, maybe next time…”

I’ve learned that much of the reason why we want to walk away (or actually do walk away) is because of the negative facts about our situation. Facts can shift you from focusing on what you should do, to focusing on all the reasons why you shouldn’t even try: the stuff we see, the stuff we feel in our bodies, the stuff we think about, the stuff we struggle with while trying to bring things to fruition, the people we have to deal with, the lessons we have to learn, the thing that happened the last time we tried to do something big, the time that gets consumed, the money we have to spend—the facts can be C-R-A-Z-Y!

But, there’s a reason Jesus didn’t say “ye shall know the facts and the facts shall set you free” (John 8:32) and that’s because facts are fleeting, truth is eternal.

Negative facts are the “fake news” of our lives (yes, I said it!) and we can’t wholly rely on shifting, changing information when we serve an eternal God that has dynamic plans for us that are “forever settled in heaven” (Ps. 119:89); His plans were laid out for us long before we were ever thought about (Eph. 1:4-5)!

Negative facts will bully you into “breaking up” with your promise. Truth will coach you into humble submission to God’s plan. Negative facts will be contrary to God’s promise for you. Truth will only speak what God has spoken to, for and about you.

In my recent experiences, God has taught me that it’s never worth it to trust facts simply because facts change. What may be factual today may not be factual tomorrow. I’ve had to bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ (2 Cor. 10:5) and command my thoughts to conform to the truth, not conform to the facts. Can I tell you what Truth is saying to you today?

Fact: you relied on people and they walked away from you.

Truth: He will never leave you nor forsake you! (Deut. 31:6)

Fact: you don’t have enough resources to get started (or enough resources to finish what you started)

Truth: where God gives a vision, He gives the provision…The Lord will provide! (Gen. 22:14)

Fact: this plan is way bigger than anything you can handle.

Truth: you are capable of this and much more! (Phil. 4:13)

Fact: what are people going to think? They saw you fail the last time…

Truth: do the work anyway; power and soundness of mind are your portion! (2 Tim. 1:7)

Fact: you’re too old.

Truth: you are STILL well able to have the promise! (Numbers 13:30; Joshua 14:6-12)

Fact: you’re too young.

Truth: He equips everyone that He calls—even at your age! (Jeremiah 1:6-7)