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)

Only In Jesus

I bowed my head and closed my eyes as our church family sang in chorus yesterday. I wanted to savor every word as we sang “In Christ Alone”. Wishing I could freeze time, as I fell down at His feet and my heart, absorbing the truth in each lyrics.

“You are indeed good to us Father,” I softly whispered.

“Forgive me for those times when I forget that when I worry, that means I don’t trust You. Thank You Lord for Your love, Your mercy and grace.”

Illness? Financial difficulties? At the verge of losing a precious relationship? Trapped in destructive habits? Taking pleasure from things that do not satisfy?

What is each of us facing now? Do you truly know Jesus?

Let us go to Him and truly surrender. Not just once but every day. If Jesus placed the sins of the world on Him, what else could He not take away from us?

Let us “Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.” ~Psalm 34:8

Infected Dough

"Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ." - Galatians 1:10 (NIV)

“So how do you like your new schedule now?” asked this one co-worker.

“Awesome,” I replied but at the same time with doubts brewing in my mind. This was not the first time she asked me. I was careful ever since changes were made in the night nurses’ schedule, being told that someone didn’t like the way it was before. So change was a must.

There was silence as she listened to the rest of my reply.

“I love it that I’m off now on weekends than working. I get to go with my family to our fellowship on Sundays and then, for some quality time, go out for brunch.” I continued. I wasn’t trying to brag. I intentionally gave that same reply because there were many who had asked me and it was a part of my discerning their intentions or motives.

The silence remained. I stopped talking because only then I realized that if someone had asked and became silent after hearing an honest reply, then, that person must not be truly happy for others nor truly cared for someone else.

I was happy then, working on my own in another facility for maybe almost two years. Then, some nights, I ended up working with another nurse they gossiped about that he was not a great nurse but I didn’t listen to that. We ended up getting along well, divided the work amongst ourselves. Our work completed by morning and we both grew compromising, helping each other, not complaining and doing our work cheerfully. Until….changes occurred and they wanted me back at the main prison. That was in 2003. I was hired in 2000. I went through so much pain and fear because I got so comfortable in that facility and working with that nurse the others despised. Too much grapevine just kept going on to the main facility. I wasn’t afraid of the people. I just didn’t want the atmosphere. I found my comfort the usual way. That was to seek the Lord for I knew that when change came, He would be there with me anyway. So, fear vanished and I had been working at the main prison for many years again, overcoming whatever came my way because of the strength He gave and continues to give.

That person who asked me professed that she was a Christian during those early days we met. And I remembered how many times I struggled to question God why couldn’t be everyone be just called Christians, instead of different denominations people follow?

With this battle I’m in, I’m thanking the Lord for giving me a part of His answer as I go through this battle at work. Not everyone can be called “Christians”. Only those who follow Christ’s steps are the “true Christians.” For it is easy to claim someone is a Christian, yet does not realize their motives are still selfish.

Paul asked, “You were getting along so well. Who has interfered with you to hold you back from following the truth? It certainly isn’t God, for he is the one who had called you to freedom. But it takes only one wrong person among you to infect all the others – a little yeast spreads quickly through the whole batch of dough! I am trusting the Lord to bring you back to believing as I do about these things. God will judge that person, whoever it is, who has been troubling and confusing you.” – Galatians 5:7-9 (LAB)

I am beginning to see the roots of this battle I am facing. One’s false perception became a huge desire to hurt someone’s joyful life. That someone is me. But what they don’t understand, if that person knows their true identity in Christ, even if changes come, that person’s stability comes from knowing God Who doesn’t change!

And as I recalled those pain and fear back in 2003 when I was being transferred to the main facility and with this huge battle I’m in now, I have no fear because I know how important it is to only please God not men.  Why? As a child of God and wanting to be His true follower, I know that truth that we are called to live in freedom. Not the kind that satisfies my desires but the kind of freedom where He is calling His followers to serve another in love.  I never desired to be a part of that batch of dough, infected with yeast. 

"Stop putting your trust in mere humans. They are as frail as breath. How can they be of help to anyone?" (Isaiah 2:22-LAB)

They accused me. They had said lies about me. But I wouldn't face them and make them hear what they want to hear. What they would hear would hurt. Because His Word is like a double-edged sword. The sWORD that can remove that yeast infecting the dough.

"As the Scriptures say, 'He will be proved right in what he says, and he will win his case in court." - Romans 3:4 (LAB)

I yanked out one of my guitars off the wall where it was hanging. I haven’t played it in a while. Remembering all the songs He gave me, I wanted to offer it back to Him. Stretching the strings of my guitar, I patiently compared it with the guitar tuner. The tighter the strings got, the better tune. Oh, how my life right now is being stretched by His hands. I just pray that I will bring my best tune to His ears.

The Lord gave this song into my heart during that time of pain and fear in August of 2003:

Spirit of Lord

Lord, how can I go on?

How can I do Your will

Without backing down on my own?

It’s hard, oh Lord,

I cry for everyone

Who does not follow Your plans

Chorus:

Spirit of Lord, come and fill our hearts

Let Your love overflow and guide us

Spirit of Lord, come and live in us

Let Your works shine, glory is Yours always

Spirit of Lord…

Lord, sometimes I don’t understand

But I want Your will

So, give me the strength

It’s hard, oh Lord

But I want to be

A servant to Your plans

(Repeat Chorus)

Facing The Battle Is A Must

“I don’t understand…” a friend uttered.

“Why do bad people seem to be having the best life here?”

“It’s hard to explain with my limited knowledge. But God wants us to know that bad things or trials happen to either good or bad people. Just because you’re going through a tough time doesn’t mean you’re a bad person. We’re only here temporarily.”

“We just have to trust in God because He is the One Who knows everything…”

And through the moment of silence between us, we shared tears. We shared each other’s pain. We shared each other’s grief.

Yesterday, my tears flowed, too. Quietly. In front of someone who was willing to help me with my battle. It wouldn’t be an easy one. It just started but it would still be a long way to go. There would be lots of changes. But I would remain trusting on God’s Word, His faithful promises of being there for those who love Him. Knowing that He is the only One Who doesn’t change.

We wear His Armor the moment we make that important decision to be on Christ’s side.

The sturdy belt of truth.

The body armor of God’s righteousness.

The shoes with peace that comes from the Good News.

Faith as our shield.

The helmet of salvation.

The sWORD of the Spirit.

It is real that we have a vicious enemy. And Paul did not make it an option to turn back when we are facing a battle. For going through trials is a must in our Christian journeys. It is essential for our spiritual growth.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³ because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. ⁴ Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” ~ James 1:2-4 (NIV)

And I would like to keep that in mind as I face a battle at this time. I know it will be uncomfortable at times. Maybe numerous times. But I trust in His promises, His Word, that I know in my heart will give me the spiritual victory. I know I have His victory no matter what comes my way. I may not know what to do at times. I may not see where it’s leading. But He does. His Word is truly a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path (Psalm 119:105).

I got some hope from that person. But nothing will compare to the hope I have been given by Jesus Christ. I am taking up this battle so I can hold fast to the future and hope He promised to those who believe.

“We escaped like a bird from a hunter’s trap. The trap is broken, and we are free! Our help is from the Lord, who made the heavens and the earth.”  ~ Psalm 124:7,8 (LAB)

“On the very day I call to you for help, my enemies will retreat. This I know: God is on my side. O God, I praise your word. Yes, Lord, I praise your word. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me?” ~ Psalm 56:9-11 (LAB)