Overwhelmed?

Earlier this week I began my day by reading again one of the most important devotionals in my life, based on Romans 8:37. 

“Nay, in all these things, we are more than conquerors

through Him that loved us.”

Later that day I watched the new movie Race about the four-time Olympic gold medalist Jesse Owens. Jesse overcame not only competitors on the racetrack, but also race persecution.  The noise around him was distracting and deafening, not only the cheers from fans, but also the jeers from racists.  Overwhelming!

Overcoming! 

I first read the “More Than Conquerors” devotional 23 years ago in Oswald Chamber’s classic My Utmost for His Highest. At that time, it gave me new perspective in the midst of terribly tough times. I was freshly divorced. My business was sliding downhill. I was running out of money.

Let me share the words that impressed themselves on my mind…

“The surf that distresses the ordinary swimmer produces in the surf-rider the super-joy of going clean through it.  Apply that to our own circumstances, these very things – tribulation, distress, persecution, produce in us the super-joy; they are not things to fight. ‘We are more than conquerors through Him in all these things, not in spite of them, but in the midst of them. The saint never knows the joy of the Lord in spite of tribulation, but because of it – “I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation,” says Paul.’”

Attitude

You can overcome fear, anger and depression.

Turn negative to positive.  Look up, not down.  Recognize the truth.  Deny the lies.  Jesus loves you.  This I know.  In the midst of what feels like the agony of defeat, you can experience the thrill of victory.  Learn more about stepping up your Attitude, one of 7 steps in our Crossroads Career Work Book. Reach forward and enjoy the super-joy of surf riding.

UPDATE SEPTEMBER 16, 2018 DURING HURRICANE FLORENCE IN THE CAROLINAS: One of our ministry partners – Transformation Church in the Metro Charlotte area – sent to its members today’s prerecorded sermon since church services were cancelled. If you would like to take a deeper dive into overcoming when you are overwhelmed, WATCH “RECOMMIT TO OVERCOMING” VIDEO NOW.