Storms Part I

Today I heard the same verse in two different messages. “…Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it…” (Philippians 1:6) I had several thoughts as I reflected on this verse. Thoughts about life, people, struggles, and faith. The cycle seems endless. We get in a storm, and we come out of a storm. We have conflicts with people, relationships sometimes end, and new people come into our lives. We have one struggle that we overcome, and here comes another. Yesterday when I was talking to my friends, I told them that there are times I just want to pull the covers over my head and retreat from everyone. When life gets tough, I want to say the heck with everything and wallow in self-pity. But I cannot allow myself to go out like that or to give into the temptation to stay down. Today I thought about the bouts I’ve had with depression and how hard I had to work to get back to a place of peace and joy. I thought about the things I’ve overcome and how hard I had to work to be an overcomer. Right after my house fire years ago, I sat on the edge of my bed with the Bible a friend had given me and read this verse from Philippians. Even though everything looked hopeless after the loss of all my material possessions, I had to believe that God had more for me. Right now as I reflect on the losses of the past three years, I have to believe the same thing. I don’t know what your losses are or where your discouragement is coming from, but I’m going to believe for the both of us that “…He who has begun a good work in you (and in me) will complete it.” Be encouraged and be blessed! Praying for a victorious week for all of you!