From barely surviving to more than conquering

We all go through stages in life that prove to be difficult. A job loss, break up of a marriage, health issues. Many things can lead us to a place where it seems as if it is all we can do to just survive. The creditors are calling, relationships are fracturing, and dreams are disintegrating. Days become weeks, and weeks become months. You remember a time when things were better. And you wish, you hope, you pray. If there was some way you could turn back the clock, to a happier time in life, you would.

Your life may be in the barely surviving mode. One definition of survive is to remain or continue to exist after the death of something. That may seem to define you... barely. You feel as if you are clinging to life and striving to exist. You are barely making it.

We all must learn not to evaluate WHO we are by WHERE we are. Remember that many a person who we view as being successful went through seasons of life when things looked as if they would never turn around. The key when you are in surviving mode it to hang in and hold on. Don't quit. You are not defined by what you are going through. Your Maker has called you as being "more than a conqueror." (Romans 8:37)

Think about the statement the Apostle Paul made. We are more than conquerors in Christ. It tells me that there will be some battles along the way. There may be some trials that are overwhelming. You will outlast the storm, endure the season, and win the battle!

I am glad to report that seasons change! Your change is already under way. You are shifting from the survival stage to the conquering stage!

IN THE TRENCHES TOGETHER

If you live, you know there are battles. Problems and adversities arise. Conflicts and struggles will come your way. It is not a question of IF, but a question of WHEN. Warfare IS coming your way. I know from experience. Those of us in ministry seem to constantly face one battle after another. We experience great victories only to face another battle whose enemy seems larger than the last.

Sometimes you may feel as if you are the only one facing the enemy's advance. Your marriage may be going through a crisis. Your church may be struggling. There may be financial problems, sickness and disease. At times it may be a combination of things.

I have had the Elijah complex before. Have you? Remember Elijah? He felt at one point in his life as if he was the only one standing for truth, the only one God had left. He was facing the battle, and he was isolated. Discouragement set in.

In the trench is where you go to retreat, hide, rest. It indicates a place to go for cover. The battle is raging, and you are still fighting. But you need a hole to hide in, if only temporarily. You may actually continue to fight from the trench. I don't want to be like Elijah. I don't want to be alone in the trenches of life.

I remember one time a number of years ago. I was facing deep discouragement. I had felt betrayed by a certain group of leaders in the church I was pastor of. I talked to a pastor friend of mine. He came to my home immediately to comfort and console me. I felt as if he was ready to take his spiritual weapons out and help me attack those who had attacked me. He got down in the trenches with me and strengthened me. After some wise counsel, we decided not to attack the unwise board. But it was good to know I wasn't in the trenches alone. There next to me was another soldier who understood warfare and pain. He was ready to guard my life to the point of laying his on the line.

I don't believe its by accident that you are reading this blog today. You may be experiencing some great pain at this moment. I want to encourage you. You are not in the trench alone. I am praying for you, and others are. I also want to send a challenge out for others. You are called to rescue those in need. Like the Good Samaritan, there are some wounded ones along life's hiway. They may not attend our church or be in our denomination. They may be of another culture or color. It matters not. Jesus died for them. They need someone to get down in the trench with them.

My life's aim is to get in the trenches. To reach out to the discouraged, hurting, lost, hungry. To be there for them. From one who knows pain, I can't pass by as if I didn't see.

SEE YOU IN THE TRENCHES.