It is interesting having One Word to focus on for the year as one never truly knows quite where it would show up. The one thing I can always count on is that it does show up – on the days I am least expecting it and in the least expectant of ways.
Take the other morning for instance … An upsetting incident where something was lost took place. We searched and searched and it has not yet resurfaced. It was a stress on top of an already stressful morning that was unwanted and could have been avoided.
Prayers were raised and we know the Lord hears our prayers and so now we trust. We trust that whether the lost item resurfaces or not, the Lord knows, and the Lord will bring something good from it.
And that was when I opened my Bible and read:
“Then the flood came upon the earth for forty days, and the water increased and lifted up the ark, so that the ark floated on the surface of the water. The water prevailed more and more upon the earth, so that all the high mountains everywhere under the heavens were covered. The water prevailed fifteen cubits higher, and the mountains were covered.” (Genesis 7:17-20, NASB)
Right there in the middle of a world wide disaster, Noah and his family found refuge and were safe. This brings me such hope for anything we face today.
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you.” (Isaiah 43:2, NASB)
Nothing we go through will be able to separate us from the love of God. No matter how deep the circumstances, or intense the situations, we will not be overtaken. Why?
“For I am the Lord your God. The Holy One of Israel, your Savior.” (verse 3, NASB)
One of the definitions of the word ‘prevail’ is: “to be or prove superior in strength, power, or influence” (from dictionary.com).
The waters may have prevailed, or been superior to the earth in strength or power. However, the ark prevailed over the waters. God lifted the ark up above the waters so that nothing within its confines were harmed.
Trials are varied but of this we can be sure …
A mighty fortress is our God – a bulwark never failing,
And in Him, we shall prevail.
Pondering what it means to prevail, Joanne. I love that hymn!
I do too! And it has become my favorite word to ponder as of late š
Joanne,
This hymn brings me back to my hymn-singing youth in the Presbyterian church. Only with God can we prevail and be MORE than conquerors. Love this old hymn!
Blessings,
Bev xx
Bev, the hymn brings me back to my childhood as well. There used to be a TV program that came on at the crack of dawn on Saturday mornings – Davey and Goliath. This song was the opening of it.
Your website looks lovely and thank you for mentioning me. You are such an encouraging blogging friend!
Joanne, I appreciate your words today. So glad that God is showing you your one word in places. I pray that what you lost will be found. Blessings.
Paula, thank you for your kindness. It wasn’t found but … maybe this is the way we learn to prevail. We go on anyway in the Lord!
Isn’t it amazing how we seem to encounter our word everywhere? Or maybe that’s just me. A Mighty Fortress Is Our God used to be my dad’s favorite hymn. We sang it often in church since we were Lutheran and it was written by Martin Luther.
Laurie, it is amazing – it’s like when you buy a car of a new color. You think you were original in picking the color and then you notice it everywhere on the road š It is also amazing how old hymns bring back such fond memories for us all.
I get chills reading your story of opening up to Genesis 7 and seeing prevail! I love too how God surprises us with our words when we need it most. I’ve been so intrigued by your word choice since it’s more unusual and contains such a deep and powerful meaning. Thanks for sharing this update and linking up with us, Joanne! I’ll look forward to hearing the new places you saw Prevail in our April roundup.
Thanks for sharing this song too. I love this modern version of Mighty Fortress.
Thanks so much, Lisa. To be honest, I wasn’t sure how the word would appear, if at all, but I have been so surprised at how meaningful it has been. I have enjoyed reading the other posts on your linkup. Thank you so much for doing it!
Joanne, I appreciate you sharing this blog post on prevail today. Especially this reminder, “Nothing we go through will be able to separate us from the love of God. No matter how deep the circumstances, or intense the situations, we will not be overtaken.”