Strength for Living Archives - Overflow Ministries Intl

Stand Still – Read Ex. 14:13

It doesn’t matter whether you are being chased by Egyptians, hounded by creditors, or believing God for the biggest step you have ever taken in ministry. His response in the hard place is still, “Stand still.”

On February 7, 1986, I found myself in a new city with a new life and old financial problems. I had two months’ rent due in three days and nowhere to go but to God. As I sat on the floor of my empty living room to spend some quality time with the Lord, the Holy Spirit prompted me to read the thirteenth and fourteenth chapters of the book of Exodus. I celebrated with the Israelites there as God led these formerly enslaved people out of bondage and into freedom. Just when things started looking good for them—the presence of God manifested in pillars of cloud and fire—here comes the enemy again. Pharoah has changed his mind about letting them go, and now he’s coming after them. With a sea in front of them and the enemy behind them, God’s man, Moses, says to the people, “Fear not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord which he will show to you today….” Just then, the ringing of my telephone jolted me back to 1986.

The caller was a friend who lived several miles away. He asked how I was, and I answered with the courteous, “Fine, and you?” Not put off by that contrived answer, he probed, “No really, how are you?” Something in the restated question caused my pride to break, and I exhaled one long sentence about how I had three days to pay two months’ rent. As though he never heard my words, my friend began telling me how he was driving his car and suddenly envisioned my face in his windshield. He was calling from his car, sure that something urgent was going on. He then asked how much I needed to make my rent current. When I told him, he said, “Call the rental office and tell them that they will have their money tomorrow. I will wire enough to cover the rent and give you some extra to carry you until your next pay period.” As I hung up the telephone, my eyes fell on page eighty-eight of my Bible: “Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord which he will show to you today.”

It doesn’t matter what you are facing in your life. There is nothing that can try to overtake you that is a match for the power of God. If you can resist the temptation to make things happen in your own strength and instead find the courage to stand still, God can work a miracle for you. Your experience may not be as radical as drowned Egyptians or even a last-minute eviction rescue. But, regardless of what form the enemy is taking, God’s deliverance is powerful and life-changing. Just stand still and see His salvation.

Treat It Like It’s Yours – Read Luke 16:12

Have you ever heard it said, “When I get a house, I’m going to make it beautiful.”? The statement sounds good until it comes out of the mouth of someone who has an entirely disheveled and unclean apartment. Why? Because the principle is true. Unless we can be faithful in what belongs to another, God will not give us our own.

I borrowed a friend’s mink coat several years ago to attend a special event. Having relocated from the north, she announced that she could not foresee having many opportunities to enjoy her beautiful fur. Therefore, she encouraged me to keep the coat as long as I wanted and to wear it as frequently as I desired. My husband was immensely uncomfortable with this arrangement, keenly aware of its value and the consequences of any damage to it. I, on the other hand, was perfectly content with the agreement. My ease stemmed partly from the fact that I enjoyed the luxurious feel of that exquisite garment on my body, but mainly because I was confident of one thing. I knew that I would treat that coat as though it was my own. And I did.

While in my possession, I was careful to guard that mink coat against damage and theft. I found the best storage source I could and paid to have it cleaned, repaired, and properly stored during the warm months. I was always mindful that I had stewardship over what belonged to someone else. When I returned the coat to my friend, I gave it to her in as good or better condition as I received it. Unknown to me, my husband was watching how I was handling what belonged to my friend, and shortly after I returned it, he decided to buy me a mink coat of my very own.

This event in my life taught me a great lesson. Faithfulness in what belongs to someone else is the cornerstone of stewardship. The truth is that each of us has a daily opportunity to demonstrate how trustworthy we can be as we handle what belongs to another. Every day, we are holding and overseeing something that belongs to God. How are you using God’s time? How are you managing the talents and abilities He has entrusted to you? How are you using the financial resources He has afforded you through salary, bonuses, gifts, and the like? How are you treating the things that belong to other people that are only available for your use because of God’s grace and favor?

Take an honest assessment and ask the question, “Am I being faithful in what belongs to someone else?” Whether what you have in your possession belongs to a family member, a friend, or a business associate, today is a good day to begin the journey of faithful stewardship.

Just As I Am – Read Phil. 4:11

The year was 1987, and I was single, saved, and satisfied. My life was filled with work that I enjoyed, comfortable material possessions, friends that I took pleasure in being with, and a church that met my spiritual needs and gave me an opportunity for ministry expression. Life was good. No, better said, life was great! Then, seemingly out of nowhere, I became restless. My happiness seemed to diminish. What I had was no longer good enough. There was a rumbling in my heart for more. What was missing? What was the next chapter for me? What did I need to do with or add to my life?

One day, as I quieted myself before the Lord, I received the answer. Poised for God to show me the next venture, I was a bit surprised at what I heard in my heart. The Lord seemed to speak lovingly yet firmly, “You have allowed yourself to leave the place of contentment.” There it was, plain as day, nothing profound and no need for a search to find the missing link. All that was wrong was that I had allowed myself to believe that I needed something more than what God had graciously allowed in my life at the time.

I immediately took note of the fact that the Lord said, “You have allowed yourself to leave….” It was true. I had permitted other voices to speak to my current state—the voice of desire for a mate, the voice of hope for bearing children, the voice of what I thought one should accomplish by a certain age, and on and on and on. There was absolutely nothing wrong with where I was or what I had. What was wrong was that I dared to non-verbally say to God that what He had given me at that time wasn’t good enough.

It did not take long to change; after all, it was just a matter of adjusting my heart. I repented to God, turned my eyes back to reflect on His goodness in my life, and considered how many people would have gladly exchanged places with me at that moment. In that time of repentance and worship, it was as though the Father unleashed a more significant measure of gratitude into my heart than I ever had before. I found myself running back to the place of contentment, fully satisfied that what I had was what I needed. I was back, with no plans of leaving again. From that time to now, I strive to remember in whatever state I am to remain content.

Review God’s Track Record – Read Judg. 6:7-9

Have you ever wondered why God seemed to reiterate to Israel what He had done for them constantly? I have, and I think I know why. You see, whenever one faces a challenge or a victory, there is the tendency to act as though it is a first. Somehow, we face each obstacle with a sense of dread, as though we have no idea how it will turn out. Likewise, we sometimes over-savor our victories as though they will be our last.

As with Israel, I believe that God wants us to review His track record. When tempted to be in despair about today, please take a moment to remember a better yesterday when God Almighty sent His aid and comfort and brought you out of what you thought was impossible. Equally, when you are in the throes of a blissfully wonderful season of life, stop frequently to thank Him and remember that this is not the only time that the Lord has allowed the lines to fall in pleasant places for you. After all, if He has ever done a thing, He can certainly do it again.

So, whether you need to be untethered from discouragement or if you are clinging to victory as though it will never be repeated, review God’s track record and think of the many times He has come through with and for you. You will receive the strength to live a balanced and content life knowing that God’s track record is impeccable.

I Won’t Fear the Rain – Read Gen. 9:13-15

There I sat in my car, completely captivated by the beauty of the brilliant colors that crossed a new crystal blue sky. A few short minutes before, my drive was interrupted by the torrential rains that beat against the windshield and threatened to propel my vehicle into hydroplane mode. The rain was pouring at such a force that I lost all confidence in my ability to drive.

I am not sure when or how I developed such a phobia for driving in hard rains. All I remember is the fear of accident or fatality gripping my heart. I felt compelled to pull to the side of the road and await the clearing of the skies.

As I sat in the aftermath of the storm, I recalled my Bible reading from the day before. It was the account of Noah’s deliverance from the flood. I reached for my Bible in the passenger seat, and I turned again to the passage of promise. Never again, no matter how hard it would rain after Noah and his family left the ark, would they have to worry about their destruction. Just then, I sensed the encouragement of the Holy Spirit as He said, “Í won’t stop the rain in your life, but I will never let it become a flood.”

Someone once said that a bit of rain must fall into every life, and it has been my experience that God does not always stop the deluge of hardship and disappointment. Difficulties are a part of life in a fallen world. However, He promises that He will not allow those rains to wipe us out and destroy who we are.

It has been many years since my encounter with God’s Word on the side of the road, and I am pleased to say that I now face natural and metaphorical rainstorms without fear of devastation. I live on God’s promise that He will never let the rains of my life become a flood. And now I share that same promise with you.

He’s Simply Showing His Work – John 9:1-3

Like the disciples, so often, we see issues in our lives and the lives of others and are tempted to ask, “Lord, who sinned?” Of course, I do not subscribe to the belief that everything that comes into one’s life results from sin. I have lived long enough to know that in this fallen world, life just happens. Yet, despite all our reasoning and knowledge, we seem to be uncomfortable with the idea that something bad, tragic, or seemingly unfair can occur in a person’s life, for which we cannot ascribe a suitable and acceptable explanation.

Many years ago, my husband and I suffered the loss of our first baby through miscarriage. Well-meaning friends sought to comfort us by offering spiritual answers for this painful event. Some friends were like the friends of Job—what they said sounded spiritual, but it was way off base and inconsistent with the person of our God. The fact was that we did not lose our baby because of improper prenatal care, poor health, over-strenuous activity, or unforgiveness in our hearts. It just happened. We don’t know why, but we do know that God’s grace was sufficient to mend our brokenness and bring us to a place of wholeness.

When observing the man born blind, Jesus’ disciples asked, “Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?” In effect, the disciples were asking, “Who did something wrong to cause this man to be in his current condition?” Jesus’ response is powerful and encouraging. He established that the man’s state had nothing to do with anyone’s behavior but that it would serve as an opportunity for God’s greatness to be manifest for the man and all who would witness his miraculous healing.

Is it just possible that your current condition has nothing to do with wrongdoing or error? Is there a chance that God has allowed it to be so that He can show the greatness of His work? Change your perspective; you just might receive your sight!

A Woman of Good Understanding – Read 1 Sam. 25:2-38

I am blessed to be married to a wise and loving man. But I have sat across the desk from countless women who cannot say the same, which causes great pain to come to my heart. I listen to the plight of these women and watch many of them continue to trust the Lord for change. Their willingness to see both their spouse and themselves gives me a great appreciation for the power of a woman of good understanding.

Abigail was married to a fool. “That’s a bit harsh,” you say? Well, I didn’t call him anything different than what everyone has called him. You see, the Abigail of first Samuel chapter twenty-five was married to Nabal, whose name means dolt, stupid, wicked—a fool. Each time someone called her husband’s name, Abigail was reminded of the poor choice she had made. Yet, the Bible suggests that she did not use his foolishness as an occasion to lower herself. Instead, Abigail is described as a woman of good understanding. When faced with a challenging situation precipitated by a foolish man, she employed great wisdom and strength.

I am grateful to the many “Abigails” who have taught me, by precept and example, that no matter how much anyone else “cuts the fool,” I can still be a woman of good understanding.

He Answers Before We Ask – Read Gen. 24:42-45

One of the most profound realities of the Christian faith is that God does not wait to hear our prayers before He begins to answer. I can prove this from His Word as well as from my life and yours.

A long time ago, an ordinary servant was sent to complete a specific task. We know that this servant was ordinary because we don’t even know his name. He is identified only as the “eldest servant.” This ordinary servant received specific instructions to find a wife for his master’s son. She couldn’t be from just anywhere; she was to be found in a particular place. Armed with the promise of an angel sent before him, this ordinary servant moved out on his mission to fulfill his commitment to his master, knowing that the only way he would be relieved of his responsibility was if the prospective bride refused to return with him.

The servant took everything that made for a respectable dowry—camels, rings, and bracelets—but he also came with something of much greater value. He took with him the faith of his master and the belief that if he was to be successful in his attempt, he needed to communicate with the only One who could ensure his progress. So, he prayed!

He prayed specifically, for who knows how long, but before he had finished speaking up walked the answer. Do you think that God had to talk to Rebekah and put her in the right place after He heard the servant’s prayer? I don’t. I believe that God had already spoken to Rebekah in preparation for the prayer that the servant would offer.

You and I are just ordinary servants who have been sent on an errand by our Master. We don’t work for the father of faith; we serve the Master in whom that father put his trust. Indeed, if Abraham’s servant knew enough to pray on the way to the assignment, you and I must know that prayer is the only way we will accomplish the Lord’s will. And when we pray, we must be confident that we are simply unlocking the answer God has already put in place for us.

I encourage you to go back to the place of prayer and make your request from a new paradigm. God has already answered—now, go ask!

Giants Can’t Stop You – Read Num. 14:6-8

When God has something for us, nothing can stop us from getting it, not even giants. But clearly, no one told that to the ten spies who brought Israel the discouraging report from the Promised Land. With instructions to search the land that God had given to the children of Israel, twelve men set out for Canaan. Once there, ten men became overwhelmed by the presence of the enemy that was in the land. Despite visibly abundant provision, these men could only see what they perceived as strong opposition.

You and I are sometimes like the ten spies who could only see the impossibilities. Instead, we desperately need to remember that if the Lord delights in us, He will bring us into the land, no matter where that land might be.

Think of the countless promises that God has made us that we have allowed friends to talk us out of, fear to cheat us out of, and tradition to wrench from our hands. Just because people can’t see it happening for them doesn’t mean it won’t happen for you. Just because others say you won’t doesn’t mean they’re telling the truth. And just because something has never been done before doesn’t mean that you can’t do it.

The only way we can be cheated out of what God has for us is if we become like grasshoppers in our own eyes. If there is a lid, you will have to put it on. If there is a stopping point, you will have to erect the wall. You are the only hindrance to your entrance into the promised land. Even the enemies that remain in your promise are there to assist you. If you don’t believe me, read Judges 3:1, 2. The reason God left enemies in the land promised to Israel was to teach them how to war.

What giant has caused you to return a report of defeat? If God has something for you, nothing can stop you from getting it, not even giants!

Love Should Not Hurt – Read 1 Cor. 13:4-7

There are times when love hurts, aren’t there? And one does not have to have ever been abused to know the pain of love. Just as abuse can take on many forms—mental, verbal, or physical—so can the pangs of love.

I remember high school and being in love with a guy who was at least six years my senior. Oh, the pain of being told he was too old for me, then forbidden from even entertaining the thought of having any relationship with him. Then there was the pain of falling for a guy who appeared to be the consummate romantic, any girl’s dream, only to discover him to be an ordinary, healthy young man who could not possibly continue in a relationship with a girl who wasn’t “putting out.” It is a dreadful day when the man of your dreams becomes the author of your nightmares. It is an even more painful day when you face that you are indeed too young for romantic love in its most total sense.

Then there are the dull aches of love. The formal end to a twenty-year marriage that had its informal ending in year five does not hurt as much as it causes one to breathe a sigh of relief that the end has finally come. The dullness comes because the relationship was fractured long before you ever left, which makes you wonder why it took so long to go. The only love you leave with is care for a “nice” human being. You see, “nice” people are easy to tolerate and even easier to ignore. They don’t bother or abuse you, and you don’t faze them. But that kind of love only works if you can live with dull pain and emptiness.

But then love can also be complete, truthful, solid, balanced, and stabilizing. It is the kind of love that is first rooted in God, then in self, and, once through those channels, comes out to others with tremendous power. It is the kind of love that can sustain you when you don’t particularly like a person for the moment. It is the kind of love that meets needs, works hard, and, above all else, does not abuse or even misuse.

I am among those blessed to have that kind of love in my life. It is that kind of love that strengthens one to be a blessing to those who do not know it—to the neglected, injured, and mistreated. We do not fully understand why victims remain with their abusers, but we don’t need to comprehend. We can and must share the source of complete, truthful, solid, balancing, and stabilizing love that we have received so that they will know that love does not have to hurt.