Category: Blogpost

‘Where is God, Mom? I can’t see Him…” I’ve heard this when Jordon was young, and yet at age 20 it still disturbs him. And it distresses me, too, to hear this, for the greatest desire of my heart for Jordon is for him to be able to relate to the God who created him for relationship and with great purpose.

I have often referred to autism as the great magnifier, for whatever we typically experience as individuals tends to become expanded in the lives and perspectives of those who have autism. Jordon is no exception. As we all do, he relies upon his five senses to give him information to guide him. He relies heavily, and he relies solely upon them. His is a black-and-white type of world, and he has difficulty in accepting what he cannot see, or taste, touch, smell or hear.

So I tell him to feel his breath. When God created Adam, He breathed His very breath into him, and he became alive. That breath is passed down every time a child is born and takes its first breath. We are carrier of the breath of God in our own body. God cannot get even closer to us – to him!

But, how, Lord, can he see You, the greatness and majesty of the Unseen One? How can he relate to you? Please reveal Yourself to him in tangible ways and develop his spiritual senses.

“Where am I evident on earth, Cindy? I am displayed in all of nature, and felt in flesh and blood through My children.”

Please magnify Yourself through my life and the lives of those who relate to Jordon, Lord, so He can have a tangible and concrete knowing of You.

And so God answers. He has moved upon several in our church who have sought out Jordon and been Jesus to him – accepting him, hugging him, feeding him (definitely a path to his heart), leading by example. And so Jordon experiences the touch and love of God in very tangible ways. They are Jesus on display, exhibited and magnified in the flesh.

And God, the Great Magnifier, also does His revealing work when we arrive at Joni and Friends camp. He becomes visible from the moment we drive on the campground as people gather to cheer our arrival. He is evidenced in the open acceptance of the buddy prayerfully assigned to be with him throughout the week. What may be merely ‘tolerance’ felt elsewhere, is experienced as love and acceptance and permeates each interaction – a tasting, hearing, smelling, seeing, and feeling of a bit of Heaven on earth.

When we go to Joni and Friends family camp, it truly is like Heaven on earth. He is not just tolerated, not just accepted, but he is embraced as one who can also offer something of value to the Body of Christ. He is known for his strengths, his gifts, and can feel the image of God within himself as he is valued. He is needed. He is loved. We all come aware of our brokenness and we are all on even ground. Acceptance is freely offered, gratefully received. Wholeness is discovered in our brokenness. A taste of Heaven on earth. And such grieving Jordon experiences as we return to ‘the real world.’

Statistics reveal that one in 68 people have a form of autism, so Jordon is not alone in his need to ‘see’ Jesus and be touched by Him. Those with autism greatly magnify what we all need – to experience Jesus with skin on. And so the challenge goes out to each of us.

How can we reveal the God-made-flesh today?

 

If you’d like more info re Joni and Friends, please go to www.joniandfriends.org

Yesterday I lost my sister to ovarian cancer. She fought a good fight. Fought with undaunted courage and with resolute faith. She did all the ‘right’ things (prayer, chemo, clinical trial, healthy, organic foods, alternative methods) yet succumbed to this ravaging disease. Succumbed but not surrendered. Her surrender was reserved for her God Who in His sovereignty would have the final say. And He said, ‘Come Home to Me, My precious daughter, good and faithful one.“ Her heart in life and in death was to glorify God. Through her prayers. Through her teaching. Through her music. Through her life. And now she can enjoy His presence, His delight – HIM – forever.

After hanging up the phone upon receiving this final word from my niece, I broke down sobbing. Even after a year of grieving the floods could not be held back. I sent Don over to Mom’s so she would be ready for the phone call and he would be with her through it. I could not, both because I was overcome myself and because I was on crutches and limited in my walking.

So it was only Jordon and I here at home. He looking at the iPad, me sobbing uncontrollably. Suddenly I felt a hand on my head. Jordon’s hand. Awkwardly he asked, “Should I get Dad, Mom? I don’t know what to do.” I gave him something concrete to do, to please get me some tissues. After locating them, he came back and placed his hand on my shoulder and began to share some childhood memories of Heidi. How did he know what to do? You may not be aware, but I generally have to script things for him because he is awkward in emotional or social settings due to his autism. But I hadn’t said a word. I couldn’t.

Then out of his mouth came the most appropriate words I can imagine from anyone, not expected in a twenty-year old, and certainly not one with autism. “Aunt Heidi gets to be in heaven with Jesus now; I can’t wait to be there someday too.”

I stopped sobbing to look up through wet lashes and see if an angel had suddenly appeared. Jordon had spoken straight from his spirit –The Spirit– to my heart.

Done with his message delivery, Jordon went back to his iPad……….and I sat in sacred silence.

“This day,today, Jehovah has made/appointed. We will rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24

So when God created evening and morning, He called it a “day” and declared it “good”. How many times have I said the opposite of God (!) placing it on the other side of the ledger, calling it a ‘bad’ day? The day He Himself has created, appointed, and declared ‘good’? Forgive me, Lord…When I agree with You, knowing there is nothing random in Your kingdom, my eyes are newly opened to Your goodness, even in the midst of trying circumstances. And that is where I long to dwell.

The evening of Karisa’s high school graduation, Saturday, June 15, I began having stomach discomfort. Thinking I had a flu, I endured throughout Sunday, keeping people at arm’s length lest they catch it. By Sunday night, the pain had increased to such a degree, I realized a) it was not a flu b) I could not wait until morning to call the doctor. I hesitated a while, not wanting to wake up Don (because of the nature of his disease he sleeps so little), but finally woke him and we quickly went to the hospital arriving around 1:30 am. By 4:30 am, the CT scan results confirmed appendicitis and the doctor was called. He arrived just before 9 and told me it would be a simple laparoscopic procedure and I could possibly go home by that evening. Shortly after that and before the actual surgery at 2:30 pm, my appendix ruptured, sending searing pain through the roof, and spewing infectious toxins throughout my abdomen, leading to peritonitis, and to 7 days in the hospital.

The days were long and filled with pain and discomfort. Instead of being restful, I felt like I had to fight to re-gain balance, because the heavy antibiotics flowing through my IV tube to get rid of the infection were also making me feel very sick. I felt like you do in the ocean with the waves pushing and pressing and you lose your footing. In many ways, I felt at the mercy of the doctors but in reality I was kept in the merciful hand of God. And had much time to ponder the events of the week.

God reminded me that the pains actually had begun the night before the graduation. I was up a couple of hours late Friday night thinking something I ate had not digested well, but eventually fell asleep. When I got up the morning of the graduation, and throughout the day, I had only slight twinges to remind me and was grateful whatever it was had passed. Although, unknown to me, it was a foretaste of things yet to come, God gave me the gift of enjoying her graduation and celebration that day!! It could have been different – but it was a 12-hour window gift and memory I will enjoy the rest of my life.

As ‘bad’ as it was – I survived. There are those who don’t. As long as it was, I have heard others spent even longer in the hospital. As hard as the timing was, I was out of the hospital and able to go to our much-loved time at Joni&Friends camp, where I truly could relax and recuperate in ways I could not at home. The timing couldn’t have been any better in that regard.

The choice to rejoice is a gift. A choice to agree with God and therefore see His goodness, carefully woven in and among what is not ‘good’. What empowerment in the choice He gives us!

Thank You, Creator God, that this day is a day You are at work. A day You, as Redeemer, have meant for good to come forth. A sacred day, an appointed day, a day known to You, the All-Knowing One, have ordained from ages past. A day, Precious Immanuel, You are present with me. You are present for me. I choose to rejoice in Your goodness and Your presence and Your purpose in it.

On forging a sword

Written Mar 18, 2014 11:02pm by Cindy Riker

Have not I commanded you? Be strong, vigorous, and very courageous. Be not afraid, neither be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua1:9

Webster defines courage as “mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty.” Interesting. Generally when we think of courage we initially think of some type of act of bravery, like running into a burning fire to save a life. But it also requires withstanding and perseverance. In a world where we quantify everything, how do we measure success? How does one measure with-standing? By the amount of time? The amount of pressure?

No one truly knows another’s capacity for the battles they face. We may see someone ‘standing’ and seem immobile, but it could be their last ounce of courage to do just that – to withstand. We cannot measure another by the capacity we might feel we possess. I don’t feel ‘courageous’ (as though courage were based on a feeling), but there have been days when it has taken perseverance and energy to make another trip to the doctor, to hear yet another siege of bad news in this health battle, and to consider its implications. It takes courage to face my feelings and my fears. And to stand in spite of it all. To stand whether others understand or not (or stand ‘under’ as support); to stand even when I’d like to run or hide. To stand when all I feel is at a standstill. Yet standing still is what it takes. But that doesn’t mean I ‘do nothing’. Among other things, I am beckoned to silently pray for others also in the waiting room (as well as the waiting room of life), for strength and courage for whatever they may be facing, whatever news they may be hearing (or fearing).

When a sword is being forged, it requires great time and patience by the Master Forger. He is not anxious or in a hurry, for it would not achieve His desired result to rush the process.  He carefully chooses the particular metal, because different metals may require different methods. (I, of course, am an expert on this because I watched it on youtube). It is heated in a forge and hammered into shape. This is called ‘drawing out’ the sword and takes much time and patience. This process is repeated over and over – heating, cooling, hammering, sanding, polishing. This is required to temper the metal and keep the desired properties of strength and flexibility. Even then, if it is still brittle, it is reheated to soften it (1800 degrees!), grind it, pummel it, and cool it quickly to harden it. Even the pounding is not just for shaping and sharpening but for strengthening it. (http://EzineArticles.com/192067)

To the Master Forger it is an art and a craft, and He performs with excellence, using just the right amount of care and force. He uses steady blows, always with the purpose in mind, always with the picture of what He is producing. (Isaiah 54:16 “Behold, I have created the smith who blows on the fire of coals and who produces a weapon for its purpose…”) Why so much time and pressure? So that it can withstand. So that it achieves its purpose, something greatly useful that will persevere and withstand any force in the hand of the swordsmen. It must be reliable when it is called upon and ‘drawn up’ or brandished in battle. When He engraves His mark on it, He does so with pride.

So it takes ‘courage’ to undergo much of what we are all called to go through. But, knowing a secret helps us to withstand. Having done all, to stand sure.

I know Spring will win out and winter cold must yield to it. I can see it even in the midst of our winter storms, 18 inches at a time!

I know despite the clouds that hide the Sun, it is always shining, undaunted. It’s powerful rays will break through. Unseen does not mean un-present!

I know darkness will yield to light, and quickly scurry away, despite its apparent reign in the moment.

I know there is a time to “Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord.”

I know the end of the story that we get to experience. We will not bend the knee to circumstances, doubt, or fear, no matter the pummeling. I know He will win the battle and will shout with mighty swords of victory – swords that are proven, swords that will with-stand.

Thank You for Your tender and powerful nature. Thank You that we need never fear – how can we, knowing YOU ARE WITH US, whether forging fire or raging flood! Thank You for others who also ‘stand-with’ us. As we stand in the time between the promise and the fulfillment. may we all remain ever faithful and persevering.

“We were meant to be courageous”    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uyc-M_Xv5TI&feature=player_embedded      or    http://youtu.be/Uyc-M_Xv5TI

 

 

The Landowner hired me early on. Boy, was I happy to get this job! This will help pay for so many needs that have been growing in my family. Maybe even a few wants; maybe even a bit extra to share with others. I can raise my head and not feel shame or frustration as I try again and again to get some work – any work!

Yes, the work is back-breaking, the sun hot. But I’ve been planning all day how to use the pay, so it makes it worthwhile. I’ve seen others come along to help at various points as well throughout the day, so it’s nice to see progress here. In fact, it’s almost quitting time and there’s still more helpers coming! I can’t wait until 6. It’s almost here!

But… what is this? The foreman is doling out the pay to those who have just come on at 5! Hey, I’ve been here all day and my feet are tired – I am soooo ready to leave, and he’s starting with those who have come throughout the day. What about those of us who have been here all day?

Oh well, if he’s paying them such a generous amount and they didn’t put in a whole day’s work, how much more will he pay me?! Even better than I imagined!

Finally, I reach my hand out to receive my day’s wages. Suddenly my thankfulness fades and in its place I feel anger and resentment rising. I’ve received just the same as the ones who came in and worked for one hour!! How unfair is that! Isn’t he known to be benevolent? I certainly deserve more. I need to say something, and say it now! Pushing back my hair soaked from sweat I look up at him.

“Excuse me. There must be a mistake. I’ve been working hard for you all day, putting in my time, getting blisters on my hands and sunburn on my back, but I see that those who came late and worked very little have received the same as me. That’s not fair!” The words exploded out of my mouth and even surprised me with the force.

The landowner stepped up and looked with kind eyes into my face.

“Look friend, I am being fair with you. Did you not receive what we agreed this morning that you would receive – a day’s work for a day’s wages – and you seemed relieved to be chosen and glad for the work and the pay. It’s my choice to give my money to the last worker in my vineyard, even if it is as much as I’m giving you. Haven’t I the right to do what I want with what belongs to me? Do you now begrudge my generosity?’

How perspectives change in an instant! This act actually shows more of His benevolence. It is my opinion of worthiness and deservingness based on my values that needs to change.

The truth is – He is kind. He is good. He is generous. He does not give out of my perception of worth; He gives out of His generous nature. I have not been gypped. He is true to His word and our agreement. He is a man of impeccable integrity.

This has revealed my lack, not His! My lack of understanding. My lack of grace. My doubt of him was not based on his nature, but my own. My selfishness and greed. My values based on quantity and legalism. My eye that is envious and heart that is not grateful. It has stolen my joy as I’ve compared myself with others and thought, “Why should ‘those people’ get the same as me?” And as I began to resent his benevolence with my perceived rights.

Yet He challenges my little thinking. Last on the bus are the first off. Somehow it’s not about fairness, for He is the epitome of fair and just. It’s not about worthiness based on time served. Somehow it goes beyond. It is GRACE.

It is generosity and it is right, not based on my ‘rights’ but on His righteousness.

Generosity is generously linked to grace; neither are based on a sense of ‘deservingness’ of the receiver, but of the nature of the Giver. Generosity is the fruit of grace.

If my thinking doesn’t line up (but reveals the darkness in my own heart) then I need to reconcile my thinking to match His, just as darkness must yield to light.

Getting to know this landowner in deeper ways is the only way to understand and embrace such amazing grace. The more I do, the more I can see things from His perspective.

Such is the kingdom of heaven….

Thank  You, Spirit –

You help me in my distress(es) which I feel daily; You pray for me (such a comfort,  for so many times I can’t even put my thoughts or feelings into words); You plead on my behalf in harmony with God’s perfect plan for me – wow! You’re in my camp! You’ve got my back!

Thank You, God –

You know all hearts – even my own disloyal, confused and conflicted one;  You cause ALL things – the good, the bad, the hard, the mysterious – to work together for good, uniquely pieced together like a creative patchwork quilt;  You knew me in advance, before I had the faintest heartbeat blip on screen, and despite my failures and limitations chose ME to become like Your precious beloved Son and to become a family member with Him! Why me, when You of all know what lies within my heart and what I am capable of? You put Your best within me and bring out Your best from me. You chose, You called and You give me right standing with You, none of which I deserve, all a part of Your loving, divine plan. And to top it off, You promise me Your glory!! There is glory and value in being ransomed by Your Prize Son taking my place.  Because of this, I know that anything less than this is like nothing in Your eyes! And I can rest in the peace that comes with the knowledge that You do not judge or condemn me.

If I feel judgment or condemnation it NOT from You!

I am honored to receive such help, care and choosing. I still can’t get over it – Your choice is me!  To be chosen by the One who knows me; knows me and still loves me and chooses me

You love me as I am now, yet You invest so much in me and have plans for nobility and honor in my life

As I sip my coffee, I look out the window at my son enjoying his new cap gun. He’s been talking about getting one for weeks and was so excited to pick one out. He looks up to make sure I’m watching, as he’s still very much in the “Look, Mom – look at me. Check this out!” stage. Funny how he doesn’t tire of it, though it brings out a mixture of emotions in me. Some “feel good” ones, knowing I have that special place in his heart and he wants to share meaningful moments with me. Some not-so-good ones, though I’m ashamed to admit them. One can be impatience because I’ve been “on-call” watching his play for, well, twenty years. Of course that ushers in guilt that I can even voice such an emotion, though fortunately as I look at him and the joy he’s experiencing it is a fleeting one. So the overwhelming emotion of grief that has been my companion for a good part of the last twenty years re-cycles once again as it makes its presence known.

What are other twenty year olds doing? Other twenty year olds are attending college, starting new jobs, dating, driving cars, and as excited as they are about those things, I’m sure cap guns are probably among the furthest interests from their minds at this point.

And hidden deep inside, there’s an awareness of that within Jordon. As much as he needs a world of black-and-white rules to make sense of life and navigate with the smallest measure of certainty, he lives various shades of gray. In between a boy and a man. Higher functioning autism in some ways, lower in others. He hid the cap gun until we reached the register because “other guys my age don’t buy these, do they, Mom?” He lives a mixture of twenty year old emotions and eight year old interests blended with a mixture of in-between understanding.

How can I say that about him? As I was dusting his dresser, I uncovered various pictures he had ripped from magazines – pictures of older teen guys and girls together, pictures of Dodge chargers, and pictures of K’Nex toys and transformer heroes and Veggie Tales. Truly a picture of the mixture in his life.

The grief recycles throughout each season and milestone, often catching me at inopportune moments as I want to be happy for him with his new toy, yet tears build up behind my eyes and inside my heart.

But…..then I catch myself. There are some twenty year olds who are buying REAL guns, and not just for hunting game. There are some without mothers to watch carefully and enjoy their moments of joy. Some have no mothers around at all, and have to navigate it all alone. Some twenty year olds are driving Dodge chargers while intoxicated or have girlfriends that they treat poorly. And, no, they’re not looking for Mom’s watchful or proud eye to share the moment with. In fact, the moms of those sons may be grieving for another reason, wishing they could experience a moment of joy with their son. Maybe even a moment like I have with mine.

And so I emerge from the shadows into the sunlight as the cycle gives way to thankfulness for what God has given to me and the presence of His companionship. Rays of prayers for other mothers and other sons who don’t share what I have seek out corners of my heart. Though our children may be in different stages or places in life, hopefully we share the same heart. A mother’s heart which brims with prayer, hope, and love.

“Consider the lilies of the field…

But not now, Lord. I have too much to do. My list goes on and on, subject to the needs, expectations and demands of others…

“Cindy, consider…. (Katamanthano“to observe well, notice carefully, learn thoroughly) – How they toil not...

  …Bills to pay, calls to make, appointments, schedules, letters, emails, shopping lists, filing….

“Neither do they spin……….

     …I’m spinning with swirling thoughts lest I forget something, drop the ball amongst the piles of laundry, cleaning, mending, planning, cooking………

“Yet Solomon in all his glory….

…..books to read, so much I want to DO for You….

“Was not arrayed as beautiful as these. Could you not linger with Me a bit?”

  …..well, I guess I have a few minutes. Ok, Lord, I’m “considering.” Speak to me, Lord.

“These lilies are dependent upon Me for everything. Everything! They lift their faces yielding to receive the warm caress in My sunshine and sip refreshing rainwater from My hand.  They rest, content in who they are designed to be, pleasing Me by being what they were created to be, blooming where planted, not striving after wind or other brighter paths. They blossom whether in public arena or desolate prairie, unseen by human eyes yet appraised by My loving gaze. Seeking My face, delighting in My smile, fragrantly responding to My touch.

There is so much you miss in all your busyness. You miss Me until you consider carefully. Consider the heavens and the works of My hands. Consider the love that bound My Son to the cross. Consider the life everlasting that has already begun and will continue in My presence – where there is fullness, not of work, but of JOY!!

Consider Me first in your day, the firstfruit of your time – and your heart, soul, mind and strength. Consider My mission for you as you go about what you are called to do – and do it in My strength. Consider My ways as you bless others in My Name – and do it with My blessing.

For I consider you – My thoughts are more than you could ever imagine. I consider you in how I have designed you, knowing your strengths, weaknesses, needs and dreams. I consider My love for you – deeper, higher, greater in length and breadth than you could possibly see. I consider you in all the ways I provide for you.

Will you consider Me?

Yes, Lord. Teach me daily to consider and number my days fulfilling Your plans and purposes. Resting in Your love. Considering all that You are, how could I do anything less? How could I do anything more important than that? I want my eyes to be opened to considering, examining and learning more. Thank You for the example of the lilies. May my life be as fragrant to You.

 

 

5 hours ago

I call heaven and earth to witness this day against you that I have set before you life and death, the blessings and the curses; therefore choose life, that you and your descendants may live and may love the Lord your God, obey His voice, and cling to Him. For He is your life and the length of your days, that you may dwell in the land which the Lord swore to give to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.  Deuteronomy 30:19,20

 

After summarizing the mighty deliverance of the Lord, the recognition of His protection, provision and presence in the wandering years in the desert, the “new” nation, God’s family, has it clearly set before them as they are on the border of entering the land of promise. This is the time to live out their identity and their faith in God’s nature and His promises. And as we read on, there are many accounts of both the successes and failures of their choices. God gives no qualifiers, no contingencies. No places to ask, “But what about…..” No excuses. Life and death, blessings or curses. His loving appeal is to choose life. His warning is against not choosing it. His justice and love are both evident in the choice set before them.

And the same is set before me.

As I enter my “land”, I have the same universal inclinations TOWARD security, comfort, pleasure and AWAY FROM (shall we call it avoidance of?) pain,discomfort, displeasure. Something like dealing with chronic illness doesn’t modify it or qualify anything, but it brings these issues to the front, maybe like dealing with the “heat” of the desert. Always present. Unyielding. There is much I cannot do when I look around me and see so many needs. Needs in Don. Needs in my family, in my life, in my world. Sometimes it can feel stifling.

Yet God’s life-giving words speak so clearly to my heart. Simply put, “Cindy, I don’t call you to fix anything or anyone. You are only called to Love Me. Follow My ways. Cling to Me, for I AM your LIFE and the length of your days….as you do I will take care of the rest. Sometimes through you, sometimes not. Just cling to Me. I AM your Life. Not in part. Not sometimes.  But fully… always… constant… and abundant.”

Thank You, Lord, that Your LIFE is ever-present in my life. Your Peace presides over all chaos. You fill my finite being with Your infinite BEING (how can that be?!) and as I love You, Your Love surges forth like a River toward all. As I follow and cling to You, Your Life and blessing follows like a cascading waterfall.Thank You that Your Immensity is not hindered by my small capacity – for You. Are. Life.  And the length of my days.

I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.] John 16:33

I continue pondering this verse. What “in the world” do we look for most? Universally the answer would be Peace, including prosperity, pleasure and freedom from pain. Jesus clearly states that in the world we will rather find tribulation, trials and distress, so we shouldn’t be overcome with surprise when it occurs. Yet the search continues in spite of the fact that overcoming peace is found in Him. Solely. Soul-ly. Whole-ly.

Either the challenges in the world master (overcome) me or I master (overcome) them. What has been conquered now requires servitude to the Victorious conqueror, no longer yielding any power or authority. So, as one not overcome by what is offered by the world, I need to see it as subdued and in service to Christ. I noticed that lately I’ve been asking people how their trials and difficulties have served them. Under His dominion, they now serve a higher purpose. A good purpose. An overcoming-evil-with-good purpose. What do the trials and tests of the past year bring to the surface within me? What do they reveal of my heart and my beliefs – that which I have been serving? Fear? Yes. Pride? Sadly, yes. Yet, once brought to the Light, He deals with it (and me) time and again so that I can move forward, stuck no longer. What wrong beliefs or attitudes have mastered me, things which I hold the power and authority to overcome? To have such overcoming power within me and not be aware of it or use it (like my Ipod -7/9/13) defies the purpose for which Christ died – it was for freedom that Christ has set me free! My spirit is not yoked to the difficulties in the physical realm with health or doctors or pain or even death; they do not master me. They have been overcome! They may exist, but I live over them!

My assignment of serving my King in this conquered kingdom is to come under His mission despite the various skirmish scars and battle wounds. They are not the point (though admittedly they can be very distracting from the point). Yet, they serve me as visual reminders, training me to walk in confident faith and peace in His promises. They serve me as I am overcome with His grace as He walks through the shadowy pathway of an unknown future, each rocky hillside of side effects Don experiences. Amazingly, the Victor Jesus has conquered them, giving me His spirit of victory, so that they serve me, so that I can better serve Him!! Though I confess I wouldn’t describe myself as “cheerful” about it, I am overcome with joy in His presence and in things I once took for granted. I am overcome with peace because He has overcome the world.

Thank You for Your overcoming victory, Lord. Help me to live under the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit and over the circumstances as You take us through the challenges.