Not “Over” but “Through
Not “Over” but “Through”
(#107 from Suffer Well Devotional Series?)
Do you really want victory, true victory, the kind of victory that not only affects your entire being, but nations as well? Are you sure? Listen to Me closely then. If you really want true victory, never again ask Me to remove you from the sorrow and conflict that comes with valley experiences. You may hope for a better day but not at the cost of devaluing the purpose of today (Matthew 6:34).
Give Me your eyes (perceptive abilities) My child; give Me your soul. I speak to the Spirit that I placed within you (Romans 8:11). It is in the desperate moments, the valleys, that our best work is done. I require praise and gratitude, not prayers of the destitute. This is one of My dearest patterns: Do not ask Me to remove you from the valley; instead obey Me and rejoice while you are in it (Psalm 107:21-22)! Has My Son not overcome the world (John 16:33)? Have I not, through Him, given you the same authority (Titus 2:15)?
Let the beauty of this wisdom reign in your mind (heart). A child that can praise and worship in the most painful moments of life, is a child who has overcome the world. Will you believe Me if I tell you that most of your inner turmoil is caused by exterior things? I teach you to win by the Spirit; victory is in the Spirit. Of course it seems difficult if you are carnally minded. My plan leaves room to rejoice in the Spirit and the flesh, but you cannot change the protocol. I will not change My pattern. It is already perfect! I do not lift you over the situation; I guide you through it, and I give you the power to do so with praise, awe, and wonder. Does it seem impossible? Good! May I now take over and do it for you? You praise, I conquer! You give sacrifices of thankfulness; I make straight paths for your feet. It is all for your good. Thank you for understanding My loved one; I will always offer you more faith if you ask (Mark 9:24).
This is the day Yahweh has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24)