More Than Conquerors

Romans 8:37 precedes one of my favorite passages that reminds us that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. Nothing. Have you ever felt distant or inadequate in your relationship with Christ? If not, then congratulations because I have lived in a defeated state during several seasons of my life. Romans 8:37 reminds me that even though I may feel distant from the loving arms of God because of trials, persecution, famine, danger, whatever, I am more than a conqueror! I am not defeated!! Why? Because of Christ and his love for me. 

For the last six months or so I have claimed this verse, "And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself RESTORE, CONFIRM, STRENGTHEN, and ESTABLISH you." Six months ago this seemed so unlikely. Restoration seemed impossible. I doubted my position in Christ and felt alone. I definitely felt weak, not strengthened, and very unestablished. I felt uprooted and far from where I felt I should be. 

A year ago last week, our family left what seemed comfortable and started on a new journey. We left the church we moved to Nashville to serve alongside. We began a new norm in Nashville and took a break from seeking full time ministry positions. We have just now started discussing the next step in ministry and how we want to seek out where God wants us next. I know...a year later...yes, a year! It has taken me (Nate can speak for himself) a year to heal and be at a place where I am ready for another ministry opportunity. Scary? OH MY WORD! Yes. But...I am more than a conqueror so I am excited!  

"We must conclude that if he allows it that it must be the instrument by which He will make us holy." 

Ms. Nancy (Bible study teacher) said the above quote about Romans 8:28 in class one day and I journaled it thinking about it often. She has spoken such wisdom and truth over me and the majority of the time she hasn't even known it. I am so thankful for the women's groups and our Sunday school teacher at Forest Hills as they have been instruments in the healing process. God is good (more than good) and faithful in using them to communicate truth to my situation even when they didn't know it. 

I know I still have lots to learn but all this has worked together for good (Romans 8:28). I have grown in Christlikeness and learned more about God. He is SO not worried about my lack of patience and "fix-it" tendencies. 

Thankful for his presence and faithfulness. 

Thankful for his grace. 

Thankful for his gentle - and sometimes not so gentle - discipline (Hebrews 12:6).

Thankful for his Word. 

His, 

Meg 

Zeph. 3:17