Have you ever watched a child as they go about their day? Children have the most beautiful confidence. They can gaze into a mirror, dance around wildly, and have the most extravagant faith with absolutely no insecurity.

When did we lose that same brilliance?

You know, many times when I watch my little 4 year old niece, she is without a care in the world.

It doesn't matter if her clothes are matching and she could care less if her hair is perfectly styled. She also sits down for lunch to eat however much she wants and doesn't think twice about counting calories. As a matter of fact, I am positive she hasn't the slighted clue that calories even exist. Life for my niece is pretty simple.

While watching her, I can't help but internalize and think back to when I had that kind of innocence. My biggest problem at her age was trying to figure out what Disney Sing-a-long tape I would watch for that day.

Then I grew up.

I tried to pin-point when it was that my childhood innocence began to diminish.

Then I remember the echoing accusations.

You see, the devil likes to start pin-pointing our insecurities at a young age.

I can remember back to first grade when I would compare my $10 vinyl Kmart backpack to all the other children's $25 Disney backpacks. Mine had that replica of Cinderella instead of the real one. I loved that backpack until I looked at everyone else's. All of a sudden, mine wasn't all that great anymore.

Then I grew older.

Comparing backpacks turned into comparing hair, faces, body types and how much (or little) money your family had compared to others.

The echoing accusations of the devil started off so simple and overtime grew into something so large.

Listen, I am going to be completely honest with you: I still tend to struggle with my self-image.

For women, I notice we feel inadequate when it comes to appearance, and for men, I notice most feel inadequate when it comes to being a provider. And what do we all have in common with one another when it comes to the echoing accusations of the devil?

"Not being good enough"

Maybe you have bought into that lie before?

Often without any fight at all, we simply settle to believe that we are living in lack. We automatically assume that when someone has something we don't, God's supply has depleted and we have been robbed.

We must get back to the basics and realize the true war at hand.

The devil is the accuser of the brethren as it says in Revelation 12:10...

"Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, “Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down."

Yet even more so, the devil is also called the father of lies. In a strategic debate between God and man, Jesus paints us the most precise portrait of the enemy found in John 8:44...

"For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies."

Any thought that does not align with the Word of God is an accusation from the enemy and every accusation from the enemy is a lie.

However, did you know you have the power to determine whether you will entertain an accusation or not? Romans 12:2 is the proof...

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."

We have the choice to test every thought to determine it's truth. We must begin to look at ourselves through the lens of God's Word instead of the devil's kaleidoscope of lies.

We must return back to the simplicity of a child.

And what is that, you ask?

To simply have faith that we are exactly who God says we are.

2 Corinthians 5:17- Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

1 Peter 2:9 - But ye [are] a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

Ephesians 2:10 - For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Let's not lose sight over what truly matters. Let's not forget about Whose image we are created in.

I want to pray with you real quick. You are wonderful just the way you are and no accusation brought against you can hinder that. Some of you have been holding onto some words spoken over you for a very long time. Others can pin-point that exact moment when satan started to accuse and lie to you.

It's time to break the echoing sounds of accusations.

“Lord bring us back to the simplicity of being confident and comfortable in our own skin simply because we do not know anything better. Help us to see ourselves through Your eyes again, instead of the distorted and manipulated vision that the world has given us. Bring us back to Your Word when we forget who we are. For way too long we have settled for these lies. Come and teach us how to love us the way that you do. Nothing more, nothing less.

In Jesus Name...”

Love you and praying for you,
Amy Basel