Victory in Jesus

"But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." - 1 Corinthians 15:57 (NIV)

I glanced again and again. Reading those words written by my own hands many years ago. I didn’t mind the heat of the sun’s rays hitting my left side of face through a slightly-cracked window. Inside my car, I quietly rejoiced. I didn’t need anything anymore. God had told me to get this paper resting on the palm of my hands as I sorted page after page. So simple thing but was His way of exposing those lies they had accused me of.

“Who would have thought but You?” I softly asked.

My eyes welled up with tears. There was just no right word to express my gratitude to my Father Who desired a relationship with me, through His Son Jesus Christ. He wanted all of us to be victors not victims. He wanted all of us to soar not to fall. He wanted all of us healed not sick. He wanted all of us to be strong, not weak. But His desire wouldn’t be effective if our hearts choose not to obey. If we choose to be self-absorbed. If we choose to remain attached to the things of this world.

He freely grants us that “freedom to choose”, for His love is unconditional. And the trials we all face in this temporary place we inhabit will never be bigger than our Father Who loves us first.

We can choose to live victoriously amidst all of these trials we face. Because of what Christ had done. There is nothing in our lives that He doesn’t know. He already knows even before we know it.

I turned the ignition on, as I continued to thank His everlasting kindness. I knew this was another “faith marker” He proved as I met these little bumps on the road I was walking on. He proved time and time again that He truly would never forsake His children. The problem would never be Him. The problem would always be me who has the tendency to always walk away from Him. But He remains patient. He remains forgiving. He loves to show His mercy.

I realized and wanted to know why my battle had to happen now after so many years? But why even ask? What’s the worth of asking when God already planned this? The bottom line rests on my heart’s willingness to continue to be a broken vessel ready to be moved by God to where He wants me to be.I will just hope that I am Christ's letter other lost ones can read.

“Daddy,” I told my husband over the phone.

“I have His victory! Praise the Lord!”

But in that moment of triumphs, even greater was the sadness I felt for those who loved to hurt others. Those who don’t know how to act in love because they don’t know the One and only Savior. Jesus…

I was never afraid the moment this trial started for me. Knowing Jesus would pick me up right away where I fall. Knowing He is holding my hand no matter where it brings me. Knowing He is my Greatest Shepherd protecting this once lost sheep before. Knowing that He is leading me to another place of greater opportunity, more spiritual growth and Him taking me away from those things that hinder my walk with Him.

I want to thank you my beloved friends for always encouraging me and praying for me always. It means a lot and at this time, please forgive me if sometimes I may not be able to visit you but just know that you are all in my heart. I always thank God for all of you and keep you in my prayers also.

In all of this, to God be the glory forever and ever in all ages to come. Please let us pray for each other everyday.

This was a song He gave me on June 19, 2003 as my family and I were also going through a trial but ended up in His victory!

Come and Seek the Lord

No matter how tough the trials that come your way

No matter how much they break your heart today

Fill your hearts instead with joy

Knowing Jesus is there for us all

Chorus:

Come and seek the Lord (3x)

For He had overcome the world

No matter how much pain and suffering

No matter how heavy the burden they bring

Trust in the Lord it will be okay

For He will show us the way

(Repeat Chorus)