Today’s e-spirational was written by Pastor Marvin Wamble. I pray that it blesses your soul.
First Lady Anita Wamble
Pastor’s Mid-Week Refuel
Claim Victory – In the Storm
I just read of story in the Washington Post about a couple in Fort Washington, MD who have recently had their home foreclosed because the company handling their refinance was dealing in illegal activities. It was a sad story of a family that will soon lose their home and are facing the reality that the dreams they had may never reach maturity. I wish them the best as the move forward into the unknown. I can only hope that they have Jesus Christ in their lives to help them through this difficult time.
The one thing that Christians can hold onto in the midst of a terrible, unforeseen storm is that Jesus is still with us. Things may happen to us that we do not expect. We may suffer setbacks that we could have never imagined, but in the end, God is still with us. His word says he will never leave us, fail us or forsake (give up, turn away) us (Deut 31:6). Read Isaiah 41:10-13 and be encouraged. Even in what we see as the worse of times, our God is there. He controls the situation. He has the final say on our outcome. Despite our devastation, confusion, anger and fear; no matter the size of our obstacle, we need to take a few minutes to relate our situation to the word of God and claim the victory He has for us (Ps 60:12; Ps 44:6-8; Prov 2:7; Prov 21:31).
Yes, our victory is in Christ Jesus, where we have the problem is what that victory looks like. It will not always be as pretty as we imagine. It will not always make us comfortable, but if we have given our lives to Jesus, it is not our plan but his. Proverbs 19:21 puts it best, “Many are the plans of a man’s heart, but only the Lord’s purpose will prevail.” So no matter what the difficulties you are facing, if you have given them to Jesus, let him handle them (1 Peter 5:7). Wait for him to move (Ps 27:13-14). His word says that “all things work together for good,” (Rom 8:28) so even though we can’t see the good right now, that just means God’s overall plan is not complete.
So claim victory in your test. Claim victory in your trials. In the midst of foreclosure or repossession or lost jobs or whatever, look past what you see and claim victory in your storms because God is working things out for your good. Show God that you trust and believe and despite what you see and feel (2 Cor 5:7), you are leaning on Him and awaiting the “good” result he has promise. It may not be easy (though James 1:2 says to “consider it all joy”), but showing our faith and trust in God through the most difficult of times is a necessity. And his rewards are awesome (Matt 5:12)
Have a Blessed and Victorious remainder of the week,
Your Pastor
Marvin R. Wamble
Shiloh Community United Methodist Church
Newburg, MD
