Showing posts with label battles. Show all posts
Showing posts with label battles. Show all posts

Friday, December 20, 2019

Victory


Breakthrough ~ Red Rocks Worship 

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

Your victory is dependent upon your struggle or need. If the need is freedom from some type of slavery, then victory means liberation, being rescued. If your struggle is using overeating or overspending to compensate for your brokenness, using them as coping mechanisms, then your victory might look like healthy spending and eating habits. If your bondage is medical, then your victory might look like a clear scan or good doctor's report.

We all have battles and struggles. Jesus told us that we would have trouble: pressure, oppression, affliction, tribulation, and distress. But He gave us hope, saying, "Take heart! I have overcome the world! For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God, (John 16:33; 1 John 5:4-5 NLT).

Perhaps it feels strange to talk about battles so closely to Christmas. The truth is, the enemy is relentless in his attacks, stopping at and for nothing to destroy your life. He will use everything to his advantage, especially the celebration of Christ's birth. Unfortunately, many people fall into despair during the holidays, believing the lie that they are alone, or worthless, having failed to achieve some goal.

God is mightier than any lie. YOU ARE WORTHY because He made you worthy. You are His and He paid the ultimate price for you, His beloved.

Today, believe that you have the victory in Christ Jesus! He gave you the victory--over sin, over sickness, over addiction, over bondage and brokenness, over depression and anxiety, and over every single lie the enemy has poured on you. It's time to stand up in victory! Let today be the day you begin claiming the victory that is yours in Christ Jesus, our Lord. 
©Heather Potts 2019

Wednesday, April 24, 2019

Gateway of Hope


Only You ~ David Crowder Band

But then I will win her back once again. I will lead her into the desert and speak tenderly to her there. I will return her vineyards to her and transform the Valley of Trouble into a gateway of hope. She will give herself to me there, as she did long ago when she was young, when I freed her from her captivity in Egypt. ~ Hosea 2:14-15 NLT

Having lived near the Gulf of Mexico for many years, we were taught that the reason so many people die when caught by a current has nothing to do with the strength of the swimmer and everything to do with strategy. Instead of wasting energy swimming against the current, you should swim parallel to it. Eventually, the current will end. If you haven’t exerted all your energy trying to swim against it, you should be able to swim back to shore.  

The same is true in many of the battles we face. If we try to fight them in our own strength, we’ll lose. But if we prepare for the fight, then, with Christ’s help, we can overcome. Maybe you are battling an addiction (drugs, emotional eating or spending, pornography, etc.). If you try to “not give in,” eventually you will, and suffer physical and emotional consequences. If you, instead, find an accountability partner and the two of you begin to pray and make a plan of victory, when the temptation arises, you’ll know how to overcome.

Perhaps a loved one has walked away from the Lord. Begging won’t cause them to turn. Seeking God, strengthening your own relationship with Him, and praying scripture over them is the best strategy with this current. Then, when they come to you, you will know how to respond to and love them.

The reason the enemy fights to keep you and your loved ones trapped is because he’s afraid of what God will do through you and them. But you have something far greater than an enemy: you have a Husband and His Name is Jesus! Your Husband is the head and is responsible for the direction and welfare of His household. Because we have free will, God allows us to wander into the muck. Sometimes, it takes the muck to hear the Lord call your name and whisper, “Come away with Me, so I may speak tenderly to you and turn your Valley of Trouble into a gateway of hope.” And when we choose to turn, He's right there, welcoming us into intimacy with Him.

Whatever you or your loved ones are battling, I pray you would draw away with your Love, with Jesus. Allow Him to heal your heart, turning your Valley of Trouble into a gateway of hope.

Lifehouse Everything drama

©Heather Potts 2019