Transformational Thought
Have you ever had that feeling? You know what I’m talking about. Life seems to be going well and everything is falling into place. I’m on a roll … hit a winning streak … finally got the momentum on my side. Then, out of the blue, it comes like a thief in the night. A cold wet blanket comes over me. A memory from the past creeps into my mind. Then it feels like all the goodness is sucked right out of the moment, as if the most powerful vacuum got into my head and replaced all the good stuff with negativity. Shame, guilt, doubt, worry or regret instantly flood my mind and seek to control my heart.
Perhaps you’ve made some poor choices in the past and are suffering the consequences. Maybe you’ve suffered a traumatic personal loss. Perhaps you have endured abuse from a parent, spouse or another “trusted” person. And it doesn’t have to be “major” trauma. Most hurts for any 6-year-old are somewhat “traumatic.” At that tender age, we don’t have very good coping mechanisms or any interpreters in our lives to put the hurt into proper context for us.
Many of these minor hurts, unless understood and processed well (which most kids never do), leave lingering messages of doubt and confusion that Satan uses to steal away times of joy and blessing. How many of your parents really helped you interpret and process your significant wounds in a deep and lasting way? My guess is not many.
Read today’s scripture carefully. God promises that despite every obstacle in life, you can have overwhelming victory through Christ. Come to Him for help—and forgiveness. If you let Christ in, nothing—absolutely nothing—can separate you from His love. There’s no reason that your past should steal another minute of your joy and happiness. Jesus’ victory means more than simply winning; it means a decisive win—a win that leaves no doubt.
It is easy to look at scriptures about God’s love and think, “Yes, God loves all people.” But in our innermost being, we don’t include ourselves with “all people.” We think, “I’m different; I’m just not good enough. That’s alright for other people, but I’ve made too many mistakes. I have special circumstances. It’s too late for me.” We need to examine closely and search out the lies that keep us feeling defeated with no chance of winning in this life on Earth.
God’s Word makes it abundantly clear that you are included: no matter what you have done; no matter what other people say or think about you; no matter what you think about yourself. God loves you. Jesus died for you. Nothing will ever separate you from His love.
Today, stop when you struggle. Tell yourself, “God loves me and He proved it.” Then consider how that changes your view of the moment. Walk with Jesus, and you can have overwhelming victory in every problem and obstacle in your life. The problems might still be there; the obstacles may still come. But you won’t have to face them alone or have a defeated attitude and perspective. God will empower you to overcome. Whether you experience joy and victory or you wallow listening to self-defeating tapes, it’s your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, thank You that these promises are not just for other people. I am so glad they are really for me. Thank You for your unconditional love. Thank You that no matter what happened in the past or what comes my way in the future, I can walk in victory through Jesus. I want to rest in Your power and not my past deeds, and I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One who made my victory possible, Jesus Christ. And all God’s children say AMEN!
The Truth
No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. And I know that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow … not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below … indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:37-39
