We admire people who overcome situations beyond our understanding. Overcoming seems to showcase strength and courage and faith and persistence that often remains hidden during times of ease.
A portion I recently read in Ezekiel says this …
“The fields that used to lie empty and desolate in plain view of everyone will again be farmed. And when I bring you back, people will say, ‘This former wasteland is now like the Garden of Eden! The abandoned and ruined cities now have strong walls and are filled with people!’ Then the surrounding nations that survive will know that I, the Lord, have rebuilt the ruins and replanted the wasteland. For I, the Lord, have spoken, and I will do what I say.” (Ezekiel 36:34-36, NLT)
Most noticeable in overcomers is their ability to survive.
‘Survive’ as defined by dictionary.com is “to remain or continue in use; to endure.”
Often when hardships hit us or situations change in our lives, we may think we are done. In this portion of Ezekiel, we are told just the opposite.
Our God specializes in taking ….
- the hopeless
- the empty
- the bare
- the unproductive
and fulfills the plans He has for all of it.
A wasteland was land that was uncultivated or barren, usually a devastated area which was unable to produce any longer. Our God takes what once lay bare and causes it to become even more fruitful than before.
I recently read this (and did not write down my source) … “To survive usually means to succeed against all odds.”
What odds have been stacked against you?
- to be a successful parent
- to be financially secure or make ends meet
- a happy marriage
- a health crisis
It is in the very area where the odds seem bleak, which He can cause our lives to be fruitful once again. He specializes in making a wasteland into a Garden of Eden!
And He specializes in making us overcomers!
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8VoUYtx0kw&w=560&h=315]
Today I am joining with … Tell His Story and Three Word Wednesday and Works For Me and Coffee & Conversation .
Amen! I love how you put this: “Our God takes what once lay bare and causes it to become even more fruitful than before.” This is so encouraging. And I praise God who endured our sin so we can enjoy His redemption. Thanks for sharing your gift here.
I am always encouraged by your comments, Karen. May we both bear more fruit in 2015. Excited to see what He brings about in & through our lives.
Oh, this is good, Joanne! Something that you mentioned, that overcomers are those who are survivors resonated in my heart. You know a survivor will tell you they didn’t feel they had a choice, often, because they had to just put one foot in front of the other and move on. And isn’t that really what we are called to do? To just keep walking on that path with the One who guides our heart and gives us grace to breathe in the foggy days? Overcoming is less about our ability… our survival skills, and more about our focus to keep looking forward to keep trusting there is a promise to hold on to, there is a God who never leaves us that we can lean on and trust. I always like to ready your uplifting words, but today you not only encouraged me you reminded me of the power of the journey.
Happy New Year!
Many Blessings,
Dawn
Beautiful point, Dawn. I am so grateful that as we keep walking forward, we never walk alone. May you & yours have a most blessed 2015!
What a good reminder! God is the opposite of barren – so rich in exactly what we need and when we need it. Happy new year to you! I’m glad you link up at #ThreeWordWednesday!
I always enjoy connecting with you through the link-ups, Joanne! Thank you for sharing this truth that God rebuilds and replants. Such a good word for the new year! Wishing you a very fruitful 2015 ~ Renee
Renee, such good words – rebuild & replants. Change can be hard but needed in order for growth to occur. Thank you for sharing with me. May 2015 hold much blessing for you!
Love the song! Love the scripture! Love your words, friend!
Thank you so much, Paige. I am catching up with comments & visits. I loved stopping by your blog. Grateful our paths have crossed!
Beautiful words…His power in us to move forward, overcome the past, and cling to His promised plans. Such a powerful way to march into the New Year!
May we march into the new year & keep right on marching 🙂
LOVE the encouraging word!! And Mandisa’s song has become my anthem! LOL
We so appreciate you sharing this on Moms’ Morning Coffee <3
🙂 It is such a great song & pick-me-up! I so enjoy being there with you all! Have a great week!