VICTORY in Action...

Yesterday, I shared the lyrics of a new song we sang at church recently, and made some remarks about the overwhelming message of "victory" that rang through for me so loud and clear. I am eager to continue delving into this concept of victory and apply it to some real-life situations that have been going on in life right now.

As many of you know (if you are on the email list), I have been preparing all week to attend the Proverbs 31 Ministries She Speaks Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina! I am going to sharpen my speaking and writing skills in an effort to aid me in ministering to each of you, whether it is through this blog, through the direct contact we have in the support group setting, or for future opportunities that the Lord places in my path. I believe with all my heart that the Lord has ordained for me to be at this conference. You see, if it were not for a scholarship opportunity that arose this past Spring, there would be no way, financially, that I could have gone. Feeling a prompting from God to enter the scholarship contest, I poured my heart out in words as to why I wanted to go by writing on the blog, which was how you entered the contest. Much to my surprise, I won! You can read what I wrote here. Aaahhh....VICTORY!

Still, I am in awe that I will be leaving bright and early in the morning for the conference to a weekend filled with breakout sessions, keynote speakers, worship time, divine appointments with ladies I don't even know yet, publisher appointments, teaching talks, and the like. And I will absolutely be spending lots of time in the "prayer room" (more to come on this later). Yet, as I have worked diligently throughout the week to prepare my heart, my mind, and my book proposal and teaching talks, there is something so much bigger going on that directly relates to the theme of this post: victory.

When we think about the word "victory," what comes to mind? If you think about it, in order for victory to prevail, there must be some sort of tension or opposing forces at play, right? Well that's exactly the case in my preparations for She Speaks. First, it was financial, but the Lord prevailed by providing a scholarship for me to go! This past month, it's been one thing after another that has diverted my time, effort, and energy away from the physical and spiritual preparations I had intended to do beforehand. Things as big as a death in the family to something so small as a sick childcare provider. Just this week, my attention has been drawn in so many different directions, my husband and I have had a tiff, and most recently (as in the last hour), we received word that the house we just made an offer on subject to the sale of our own home is likely being bought out from under us!

But guess what, ladies? VICTORY! I believe with all my heart that the battle is already won and cling to John 16:33 when Jesus reminds us to "take heart" because He has "overcome the world." Amen!? Yes, the victory is won. Satan has no foothold in our lives as I prepare to leave this morning. God will be glorified, despite Satan's schemes, making the victory all the more sweeter!

Here are just a few ways that I see how God has victory over the issues mentioned above...

Earlier this month when my Grandma died, the victory was won, as she knew Christ as Savior and He welcomed her into His kingdom! 1 Corinthians 15:54 comforts me in reminding me that "Death has been swallowed up in victory."

This past week when Satan attempted to get a foothold in my marriage, victory was won when we called it for the ugly thing it was and Justin prayed over me. He prayed for the Lord to prevail and to be present in our situation and preparations. We paused to seek Him and He was faithful, as He always is. Victory!

Today, as my heart and mind were diverted (and disappointed!) by the news of the house, I ran to the Scriptures, embracing Isaiah 55:8-9, reminding me that God's ways and plans are so much better than my own. If this house situation doesn't work out the way we'd like it to, we can still trust that God goes before us on this and He has something far better in store. Victory.

I would love to hear a testimony of victory in your own lives....please share in the comments!