Starving the Fairytale: 5 Truths to Replace the Lie That More of Self in Our Work Is the AnswerSample

There is a natural flow of culture. We all know what it is, whether or not we can identify it exactly: work hard and you can make all your dreams come true, leading to a happier life than the one you currently have now.

In my book, Starving the Fairytale, I compare this flow of culture to a rip current in the ocean. You would have a hard time identifying a rip current from above the water, which is why so many people are caught in one before realizing it. Rip currents are fast and strong and show no mercy to the swimmer.

But the part that should alarm us the most is that a rip current only flows one way: out to the shore and away from the safety of land. In the natural flow of culture, the enemy has fooled us into thinking that his way is the right way. In Genesis 3:4, he tells Eve, “You will not certainly die,” pulling her into the current that would sweep her, Adam, and all of humanity into a lifetime of sin.

Satan’s goal is to pull us into the current of work in which we are the center of attention and where our fight is for our own success, our name, and our perceived happiness. His tactic? Make other women’s success look like our answer.

But God who created the powerful flow of waters can rescue us from ourselves. When we are grasping for control, putting in the long hours, and trying really hard to keep up with “her,” God invites us into a new plan: “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.” Proverbs 19:21

While the enemy invites you to create your own plan, God rescues you out of it for His purpose. God’s purpose is that your life brings Him glory. As your feet squish in the safe sand on the beach, you can praise God for pulling you out of the current, out of the madness and chaos of chasing the dream, and into the purpose that will mark the world around you and serve its designed purpose—to make God known.

Time to evaluate: Where have you followed other women’s success examples instead of following God and His unique plan for your life and work?

God, thank You for being everything that I need, including Rescue, Protection, and Provision. You don’t let Your children away from Your grasp when they call on Your Name. Help me today to see the current in my own life. Help me to choose Your purpose over my plan so that Your Name can be glorified in my life, not my own. Your purpose will stand. Amen.