March was a hard month.
Although there were certainly highlights (participating in the Grief Share curriculum, teaching Red Hot Faith in Wisconsin, Spring Break, and of course, St. Patrick’s Day) – as I look back, the overall theme of the month was confusion, hurt, disappointment, and loneliness.
I felt as if a big, heavy, jumbo-size bowling ball came out of nowhere, and suddenly – * POW * – I was left flat on my back, utterly devestated, wondering what in the world just happened, yet not having the strength to realign or refocus.
Have you ever been there before too?
Certainly this isn’t the first time I’ve been knocked down.
However, most of the time, I am able to pray, read the Word, call a trusted friend, go for a long walk (or a combination of all the above) plus throw in a Starbucks latte :), and before you know it, I am back on my feet, standing firm again.
Not this time.
It’s been a daily choice…sometimes minute by minute….deliberately pursuing peace, authenticity, hope, faith, and victory.
And sweet friends, it is so worth it. He is so worth it.
“If you’ve been knocked down, are you going to stay there? Or are you going to get up, brush off the dirt, grab hold of the power of God, and start moving forward again? ” – Rick Renner, Sparkling Gems
As I reflect on my past 42+ years, God has helped me overcome….
…and so much more.
And the Truth is….in Christ, whatever the circumstances, we are overcomers!
I may have been knocked down, but I am not knocked out!
It’s time for me to get back on my feet again. I’m choosing Truth. I’m choosing to live with Red Hot Faith. I’m choosing to believe that God is Who He says that He is and that He will do what He says He will do!
Over the next few weeks, I hope to share what I’ve learned during my “knock down” period, and of course, I’d love for you to join the conversation and share how you have made it through trials and tests on your journey as well.
I’m so glad God doesn’t intend for us to journey alone. You too??
I’ll close with a powerful declaration from my favorite Greek scholar Rick Renner. It may or may not be written on index cards and displayed in every room of my house. 🙂
I confess that Jesus Christ has given me the power to be an overcomer in every situation in life! I am not a victim who has fallen to defeat. I don’t have to take what the devil tries to send my way. In the power of the Spirit and in Jesus’ name, I am well able to stand against each attack, to resist every devilish scheme that comes against me, and to maintain the victory of Jesus Christ in every part of my life. Jesus purchased victory for me, and I will not budge from my decision to have, to hold, to possess, and to enjoy His victory in my life! I declare this by faith in Jesus’ name!
How about for you? Have you ever felt knocked down? What helped for you to get back on your feet again? I’d love to hear from you!
Thanks for stopping by *She Sparkles*! God’s richest blessings to you, my dear friend!
P.S. I can’t help but sing the Toby Mac song as I write this post. Let’s sing it aloud together!
i was reflecting on a knocked-down season just yesterday. mine have been the eating disorder years and off-and-on times of depression. i feel so well right now….and so thankful for that. what’s made the difference? my husband’s unwavering faith in me – not to mention his common sense. intense prayer and study. and i’ve had help from psychologists and medications as well….
I totally get what you’re saying (from personal experience). In my times of darkness, God’s light eventually shines through; and the depths of His love always go deeper than my pit and He helps me up and out and onward. I’m SO glad you’re getting back on your feet again – God is good!
I want to thank God that even though i walk thru the valley of shadow of death he is always with me. This is the 2nd month i have not been paid but my Jehovah Jireh always provides, he is faithful everyday and every hour. Even when i am afraid i will always trust you
I was so led to this post TODAY – been through my own mini knock down of late and this helped so much – printing the prayer off right away!!! Thanks!!
Cindy, wow! Me too! I lost my job last Tuesday. Satan is working overtime, but the victory is His! I just have more time to write now. :p
Love you, praying for you, friend, and praising God for the work He is doing through you!
empathy here..we had a marvelous eye opening message from our pastor a week ago that has really helped me put a lot of things in perspective. encapsulated= God gave Adam the keys to be over the earth and its inhabitants. with sin Adam(man) gave the keys to satan until Jesus resisted temptation and gave His life to cover our sins and our power source is now Jesus Christ. Little bit over simplified but can you just feel the shackles falling off????