By Michelle Medlock Adams
When I was a little girl, my mama often called me, “Miss Sassybritches”—for those of you who know me, this probably comes as no surprise.
Eventually, the “britches” part of my nickname dropped off, and I became simply, “Miss Sassy.” It took many years of struggling with my strong-willed nature before I truly surrendered my sass to God, but once I did, God didn’t remove it, He just redirected it.
Now I like to think I have a superpower called Spiritual Sass. And guess what? So can you! Sassy has sometimes been used to describe a person in a negative light, and yet, it’s not a negative word.
In fact, one of the main definitions for Sassy is: Lively, bold, and full of spirit.
Who wouldn’t want to be all those things—especially where our faith is concerned? So, let me put your mind at ease—I’m giving you permission to be sassy for Jesus. Actually, I’m admonishing you to put on your “sassybritches” and do bold things for God!
First Sass Tactic: See Yourself As Sassy For Jesus
A measure of Sassy Faith has always been in you, but you must see yourself as having Sassy Faith, or as my mama would say, “You have to know it in your knower.” And that only happens by understanding what the Word of God says about you.
If you don’t know what the Word says, you might start believing the enemy when he whispers, “You’re stupid. You’re a failure. You’re unworthy. You’re never going to do anything of significance …”
But if you know the Bible says the devil is the father of all lies and no truth resides in him, then you’ll know whatever he is whispering to you is absolutely, 100 percent false! You see, if you believe what the enemy says about you, you might forfeit your destiny.
But if you believe what God says about you, there is no limit to what you can accomplish through Him. So don’t let the enemy talk you out of your destiny, your calling, what is already yours! Get it in “your knower” what God says about you, and fan that Sassy Faith flame.
Second Sass Tactic: Step Outside Your Comfort Zone
Nothing supernatural or monumental ever happens inside your comfort zone. That’s why you have to step outside that zone and into all that God has for you.
Awaken that Spiritual Sass and do it afraid! Remember, you can do all things through Christ who gives you strength (Philippians 4:13). If you don’t know what you’re called to do, ask Him.
God isn’t trying to hide your calling from you—He wants you to discover it and walk in it for His kingdom purposes. Don’t let your insecurities, someone else’s opinions, or the enemy’s lies keep you in a box, limiting your vision and outreach. God has a plan for your life, and you’re going to love it! (See Jeremiah 29:11.)
Third Sass Tactic: Take Time To Dream
It’s time to dream again! Some of you have been in that surviving mode and God wants you to be in the thriving mode.
You know how I know that? Because I have been right where you are … living in the mundaneness of daily life, wearing all the hats, doing all the do’s and yet, feeling no joy or excitement in my walk with God. But not anymore. I’m joyfully and excitedly dreaming again, and feeling very spiritually sassy.
Maybe you’ve forgotten how to dream, too. So let me remind you: “Never doubt God’s mighty power to work in you and accomplish all this. He will achieve infinitely more than your greatest request, your most unbelievable dream, and exceed your wildest imagination! He will outdo them all, for his miraculous power constantly energizes you” (Ephesians 3:20 TPT).
If God has put dreams in your heart, begin praising Him and celebrate them coming to pass even before they do … because they’re coming! God wouldn’t have put those dreams in your heart if He wasn’t going to bring them to pass. Remember, don’t seek the dream; seek the Dream Giver. Now go forth and get that Spiritual Sass on!
Michelle Medlock Adams is an award-winning journalist with 90+ industry honors, a best-selling author of 100+ books, and an inspirational speaker with 30+ years of experience. She lives in Southern Indiana with Jeff, her high school sweetheart, a houseful of beloved pets, and a closet overflowing with leopard print and Indiana University sports gear. Find out more about Michelle, as well as info on her new book Faith & Football: 30 Inspirations from IU’s Storybook Season at michellemedlockadams.com
