Being An Overcomer
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A friend commented recently about Floyd's "silence." He's lost his ability to speak. But he does still communicate - with smiles, with tears, with sounds in his throat, with a lifting of his eyebrows. I miss "talking" with him in these days when we're both in lockdown. I send him video messages. In a recent one I was telling him about a friend who has the virus. I was asking him to pray for this friend. The therapist told me that Floyd made so many sounds. He seemed very concerned. I'm sure he's praying for our friend as he lays in that hospital bed! Again, because I don't believe God "wastes" any of the seasons in our lives - I can't help but wonder how God is using Floyd during this silent time.
Some months ago I heard about a faith-based movie called "Overcomer" (from the same producers as "War Room"). I really wanted to see it, but it was gone from the theatres before I had a chance. Not too long ago it came on our equivalent of Pay-Per-View on TV. I had been feeling I should watch it, and I finally had a chance to do that. I'm so glad I did.
I don't want to give away the details, but the title says a lot. I found myself worshipping the Lord and thanking Him that I have a coach who helps me overcome. Step by step He has helped me along to overcome any and every obstacle I've faced, especially the very challenging ones of recent years.
As I've thought and prayed about the message of the movie, I've realized that "overcoming" is a key word for us in this pandemic season. There are things to overcome on so many levels in our life. Physically, spiritually, emotionally, financially, relationally - obstacles to overcome in almost every arena. But, again, we're not alone. We have a "coach," our wonderful Lord, to help us along.
I keep thinking that so many lessons I've learned these last few years are coming back again during this season - and giving me the opportunity to learn the lessons at a deeper level. And I'm realizing that overcoming is a daily challenge. It's not a one time thing and we're all done. We overcome daily with God's help.
I don't know how this pandemic season is going to play out, but I know I want to be an overcomer in the midst of it. I want to be able to look back on it someday and be able to say "with God's help, I'm an overcomer."
"He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will grant to eat of the tree of life." Revelation 2:7
"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." John 16:3
"I can do all this through Him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13
"We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed." 2 Corinthians 4:8
"You.....have overcome them, because the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." 1 John 4:4
May God be with you, with me to overcome minute by minute any difficulty that comes our way in this unusual season!
Last Sept. when we had our international All Nations gathering, I spoke on "The Joy of the Lord is my Strength." I mentioned three things that the joy of the Lord is, and I've been feeling I should share them again. It's firstly a gift that we must receive. Every morning as I get out of bed, I thank the Lord for that gift. I thank Him for His faithfulness to me in being my strength. Even on my tired mornings, I sense Him renewing my strength. I'm so grateful for His gift of joy that releases strength into my body.
It's also a promise to us. The Word proclaims that "the joy of the Lord IS my strength." It doesn't say that maybe it is......or if we do ten things we can have it.....or if we're worthy of it we can have it.....NO, it's a promise to us. God has released the fulfilment of that promise into my heart during these weeks of isolation in lockdown.
And it's also a choice. I can't control all the circumstances in my life, but I can choose joy in the midst of whatever is happening. I have repeatedly chosen joy in the midst of lockdown! I don't think I would have made it without His joy.
In 1985 during the time that Floyd was European Director for Youth With A Mission, he initiated a GO Festival that was held in Randers, Denmark. It was to be a launching pad for a fresh wave of young people into missions, particularly in Europe - and it was a celebration of YWAM's 25th anniversary year. It was an awesome gathering. I have to confess that I had forgotten some of the details - even some of the speakers we had with us. That was a l-o-n-g time ago! I do remember though that it was a joyful time!!
Someone recently sent me some of the videos from the Festival. I've had such fun watching them. The one with Floyd speaking is posted here on our website under resources. Floyd was vibrant, energetic, passionate, and handsome. :) He shared a couple testimonies that I hadn't thought about in years. It was so good to be reminded of things from that season in our lives.
After watching these videos, I have been reflecting on God's goodness and faithfulness to us....and, yes, His joy that has been our strength. We have such a wonderful, rich heritage from the many years that we've served Him. There have been hard times - but many more times of seeing God wonderfully at work.
"This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength." Nehemiah 8:10
"When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul." Psalm 94:19
"The hope of the righteous is joy." Proverbs 10:28
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him." Romans 15:13
"Weeping may last for the night, but joy comes in the morning." Psalm 30:5
Watching these videos - and thanking the Lord daily that His joy is my strength......my heart is full of worship and gratitude to God for His goodness. He is so faithful!