I was talking with my mom recently, pouring out my feelings of inadequacy, overwhelmed by the thought that I just didn't have what it takes to do the things I've dreamed of doing. Somewhere in my rambling, she stopped me and said something that pierced me to my core:
That question quickened me. It wasn't just her words- it was the truth behind them.
See, the enemy thrives on familiarity. He studies us and our patterns, digs through the past- our past, our family's past- looking for cracks he can exploit. He knows the generational cycles of dysfunction, addiction, failure, or sin. He's been using the same playbook since the beginning of time, whispering lies like:
"You're just like your mom- she struggled with this too."
This is just who you are; you'll never change."
It's in your blood, it's inevitable."
But here's the thing: the enemy is a liar!!!
These are the lies we sometimes believe, holding onto past struggles and standing on excuses. We get so bound by our past that we ignore the truth: Christ has made us new. And here's the truth: Believing in Jesus doesn't just repair or refine you- it completely transforms you. You are new, not patched up, not slightly improved, but reborn into His righteousness.
The Old is Dead, and The New Is Here!
This is what I had to remind myself of after my mom spoke those words over me. The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 5:17, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"
That means my past doesn't define me. My weaknesses don't control me. The sins of my ancestors have no authority over me. When I accepted Jesus, He rewrote my story. My spiritual DNA reflects not the brokenness of this world, but righteousness of God.
And that's not just my truth- it's yours too.
How Do You Walk In This Newness?
You might be asking, "How do I actually live this out? how do I break free from old habits, old fears, or even generational curses?"
Here's what I'm learning:
- Recognizing the Lie. The first step is recognizing when the enemy is speaking. His goal is to keep you trapped in shame, doubt, and fear. He'll use your feelings of inadequacy to make you question your worth, your calling, and your identity. But when those thoughts creep in, stop and ask yourself: is this what God says about me? Go to His word and see what He has said about you.
- Declare the Truth. The enemy hates the truth because it exposes his lies. Speak God's Word over yourself daily. Say it out loud: "I am a new creation in Christ" (2 Corinthians 5:17), "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"(Philippians 4:13), "Greater is He who is in me that he who is in the world"(1 John 4:4)
- Break the patterns. Being new in Christ doesn't mean the process is instant or easy. It's a daily walk of surrender. Stop and pray when you notice old habits or thought patterns trying to sneak back in. Ask God for strength to walk in His ways. Remember, the Holy Spirit empowers you to live differently.
- Rest in God's Grace. This is a big one. You're not going to get it right every day. There will be moments when you slip up, moments when the old you tries to creep back in. But don't let those moments define you. God's grace is sufficient. He's not asking for perfection; He's asking for surrender.
You Are Not Who You Were
One of the most beautiful truths of the gospel is that Jesus doesn't just saves us- He transforms us. When we come to Him, He doesn't see our past, our failures, or our family's mistakes. He sees who we are in Him: righteous, redeemed, loved, and whole.
So let me ask you the same question my mom asked me:
Are you new in Christ, or will you let the devil define you by your bloodline?
I choose to be new. I choose to believe what God says about me, not what the enemy tries to whisper. And I choose to walk in the freedom that Jesus died to give me.
And you can too.
The old you is dead and gone. The new you is here. Walk in it boldly, confidently, and without apology. You are new in Christ.
If you have questions about what it means to be made new in Christ, check out these sources for further study.
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/kevin-deyoung/freedom-in-christ
https://www.gotquestions.org/new-creation.html
https://www.desiringgod.org/topics/identity-in-christ
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Be Blessed!
