“I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13

Overcoming

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 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.”

Father, we know You are with us to overcome minute by minute any difficulty that comes our way in this unusual season! Thank You for watching over us. Amen.