What is a defeatist? One who surrenders easily. Oh boy, I can imagine what some of you are thinking right now. You're saying, "Steph, don't go there because you don't know what I've been through...I'm tired!!" Incestuous molestation, rape, abandonment, divorce, depression, suicidal thoughts, single motherhood, ministry, six brain surgeries, oh yeah, and more ministry...when Today, I'll Make Lemonade is released you will have a clearer picture of my journey and understand why God has allowed me this platform to share with you.
So my response to you is, "Oh please! Challenges are a part of growth." Sounds a little rude I know, but I post these notes of encouragement to you each week, sometimes through tears. I think of the many times (even most recently) that I thought of giving up and then there's a surge of power that goes through me to remind me that I'm not alone and that I will not fall on my face this time.
Let me share this with you, my friends. Failure IS an option! You can choose to throw in the towel (AGAIN) only to look over your shoulder a month from now and see the pile of towels in the corner. The sight reminds you of so many projects that you have started but did not complete. The more you focus on the towels, the more disappointed you become with yourself...so you quit, once again.
Roman 8:37 (NIV) says "...We are considered as sheep to be slaughtered. NO, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us." So if God is the filter through which we live this life, then that must mean that we are empowered to prove our enemy (or "inner-me") wrong. It doesn't matter anymore who hurt you or even how much "it" hurt you, even if it was you who hurt you.
What matters now is that you are still standing and today is your opportunity to conquer. So get up and DO something...or not. It's your option.
Everything that God allows us to go through is for a reason, a purpose, Even when we don't understand we have to "know in who we have believed" Trust Him, and know that He IS GOOD AND HOLY.And He works out everything for the Good of those who love Him. Sometimes we just have to look up and say " Lord I Just don't understand, but I trust you." Everything He allows you to go through may not feel good but He works everything for your good :-)
ReplyDeleteBeen hearing it all day..."Failure is not an option"! It can't happen and it won't. We have so many things already accomplished to prove failure has no place. "I'm a conqueror, victorious, I'm reigning with Jesus, I'm seated in heavenly places, with Him, with Him, for the kingdom of God is with in me, I know no defeat, only the victory, for the kingdom o f God is with in me, I know no defeat, only strength and power!"
ReplyDelete(Singing) In God there is no failure. And if I abide in him and he abide in me, success and victory are the ONLY option! I'm in love with God.
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