"You Really Blew That One!"

That accusation is just one of the many things Satan whispers in my ear moments after I finish teaching God’s Word. His other verbal assaults include phrases like, “That message was nowhere near anointed!” or “You bored those poor women to death!”

After all these years, I know I should not be surprised by these attacks. But, honestly, they still rattle me. The worst part is that they cause me to question: “Has Jesus really called and gifted me to teach? Are my messages ministering to anyone? Am I actually boring women, but they are afraid to tell me?”

The list of doubts, uncertainties, and insecurities I experience from these attacks are endless—and could easily stop me from progressing in my calling. But one thing I have learned from them is not to rely on what I think or hear in my head. I have to trust Jesus with what He planted in my heart to accomplish, and when in doubt, ask Him to confirm my calling or redirect my path if I have strayed.

At times, I also seek confirmation from mature, seasoned believers about whether they see a teaching gift active in my life. Genuine spiritual gifts will always be evident to others, so their feedback also helps me combat Satan’s lies and build my confidence.

What about you? What inward fears, outward criticisms, or satanic attacks keep you from fulfilling your God-given calling? Comment below.