We will overcome....

This past weekend, my family and I took a road trip. We drove through mountains and farmland to get to our destination. We crossed over the Columbia River and passed many lakes along the way. It was a beautiful and peaceful drive, even in a car packed full of kids and "stuff" to keep them entertained.

We arrived at our destination and were so blessed to spend time with some dear friends we haven't seen for well over 10 years. We all attended the same Bible College in Ohio in the 90's. Our weekend was filled with laughter, stories from our time at Bible college and catching up on the past 14 years of life. We both have been on a spiritual roller coaster. It was good to know that my family and I are not alone on the journey we have chosen.

We also got to help them on a music project they are working on. Sunday we all had the opportunity to lead worship together at their church. It was an amazing time and God touched peoples hearts. I was so blessed to be a part of God's plan for that particular Sunday morning service.

My weekend was a time of refreshing and blessing. Our family has been hit with some hard situations lately. My faith has wavered and my trust in God's goodness has definitely been tested. I have battled fear, depression, anger, resentment; all towards the One who created me. I am coming out, moving forward and lifting my hands higher. I am trusting in God's word. All of His promises are Yes and Amen. I am singing a new song and listening with a more tender heart. I know my Redeemer lives and He will stand on the earth. ( Job 19:25) I know He is faithful and that He knows the end of my beginning.

I am so thankful for my dears friends, for their encouragement and belief in the gift God has given me. I am thankful for the opportunity to minister to God's people and His belief in His creation (me). I am thankful for a husband that loves me beyond who I am and believes in all God has placed inside of me. I am thankful for my precious children and their love for me. I am thankful my Savior sees beyond the mess in my life and knows the plans He has for me. He has plans to prosper me, plans that give me a hope and a future. (Jer. 29:11) I am overwhelmed by God's goodness. He truly is an awesome God.

On the way home my youngest son was listening to his MP3 player. One of his favorite songs is "Trading my sorrows". He was listening to this song over and over again while singing for all of us to hear, "I'm trading my sorrows, I'm trading my shame, I'm laying them down for the joy of the Lord........ yes Lord, yes Lord, yes, yes Lord...... Amen!" What a wonderful reminder for me to hear from the lips of my 5 year old son.

Lord, I am trading all of my sorrows, my shame, my sickness and pain. I am laying it ALL down for the joy (unspeakable and full of glory) of the Lord. But most of all Father, I say YES. Yes, to the life that You have destined for me to live. Yes, to the ministry that You have entrusted me with. Yes, to living a life that is for You and about You. Yes, to a life that may have some huge mountains and deep valleys along the way but ultimately leads to eternal life with You! Yes, to being an overcomer and enduring to the end.

There is a song that has been in my spirit for some time, a part of it says; "We will overcome, by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony, everyone, overcome." I want to be an overcomer in this life. Do you?

"And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony...." Rev. 12:11