A devastating event has happened. How do you react? Good question huh? How you react can determine you mindset on lots of events going forward. Did you sink in to the devastation, did you climb down in that pit and waller or did you stand tall on the side looking in and say, “I will NOT be a victim” I will be a victor.
Deuteronomy 20:3-4 3 He shall say: “Hear, Israel: Today you are going into battle against your enemies. Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not panic or be terrified by them. 4 For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.”
You might ask how is that possible, some events of devastation are just too large to overcome that easily. Well for one thing I never said it was easy. Things that tend to punch us in the gut are usually things that take time to get over, we have to process them out. Many years ago I had filed bankruptcy, Shortly thereafter I lost my car because of that and I was just in financial turmoil. The bankruptcy had not gone through just yet and I was still on edge about having done it. So one Saturday night we get home from Church and there is this very large red paper on my door. I grab it and we go inside. The paper says that This is a Grand Jury Summons. At that point my heartbeat quickened, my mind started racing and I began to panic. I kept thinking did I do something wrong? Even though I had an attorney who specialized in bankruptcy. I still kept thinking it was that or a ticket for going the wrong way on a road, every little thing was jumping forward to fuel my panic. By the next day I was over the top just beside myself actually just freaking out.
1 Corinthians 15:57 57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
I called a few friends and family members. One of those phone a friends suggested I pray about this and ask for clarity. Good idea huh, why didn’t I think about that. Because I was busy panicking. There was no room for much else other than high speed panic mode.
Romans 8:37 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
Along about Noon I had been in prayer for a good while. Suddenly a thought occurred to me. Whatever this is – it won’t end me. God will be with me through whatever it is. I felt my heart relax and my panic easing. I kept praying and asking God to show me what to do. How to be. What to think.
So the next day was Monday – a work day – I took the big red paper to work and called the number on it. Turns out it was a summons, it was for me but it had nothing to do with me. It was about my job and something that happened at my company. Granted I had to fly to Austin, go in front of these people – 8 to 1 and one of them yelled at me. it was still ok because it was not about me. I was not in trouble. Like I said, It would not / did not end me. God brought me through.
That situation has guided me through many a panic time. I lean on what I learned that day over and over. Even if it had been about me, God would walk with me through the fire. I will be victorious on the other side. I trust Him to stand beside me, to pick me up and carry me when it’s too hard to walk it out.
Finally, the last scripture that comes to mind is Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Dear Lord,
I am so grateful for that day, even though at the time I felt like my world was crashing down around me. The lesson from walking through this is immeasurable. Today I ask You to show us especially during those trying times, how we are victors through You. I thank You and ask all in the Name of Jesus. AMEN
Comments