The Victorious Life

I started a new devotional this year that I received as a gift. It's a unique little book because the entries are written as if Jesus were speaking directly to you. And so far the words have been just what I've needed to hear.

I was getting discouraged around the holidays thinking about how I still struggle with the same issues. Yes, I've made progress, but I want the victory. So these words gave me much to think about: "You can achieve the victorious life through living in deep dependence on Me. People usually associate victory with success; not falling or stumbling, not making mistakes. But those who are successful in their own strength tend to go their own way, forgetting about Me. It is through problems and failure, weakness and neediness that you learn to rely on Me. - Jesus" (Taken from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young)

It reminds me of what Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 12:8-10. He pleaded with God to take his "thorn" away, but learned to accept that when he was weak he was able to be strengthened through God's power. It kept him humble and dependent. So this year I want to learn to boast about my weakness instead of getting discouraged, remembering that His grace is sufficient for me and His power is made perfect in my weakness.

Declaration of Dependence

One message I heard loud and clear growing up is that I needed to be strong and independent. Marriage was not viewed as something permanent, so I needed to strive to be self-sufficient so that I could make it on my own. I took responsibility for myself at an early age...doing my own laundry, being responsible for my own schoolwork, saving my money, etc. I got my sense of security from being in control of everything I could. On the outside I may have appeared strong, but it was all an illusion. I could have used these words of wisdom from Isaiah 30:15.

Your salvation requires you to turn back to me

and stop your silly efforts to save yourselves.

Your strength will come from settling down

in complete dependence on me

The very thing you've been unwilling to do.

My strength would come from being dependent? The answer is yes. In college I re-committed my life to Christ and became engaged to Jeremy. One evening, Jeremy and I were out on a date discussing the future when the subject of children came up. He expressed his hope that I would be a stay-at-home mom while the kids were in school. This came as a shock to me because I had never even considered it! My mindset was to establish a career so that I would be self-sufficient "just in case". God revealed this to me and I knew in my heart that I had to choose what was to be the focus of my life...career or family. As you all know, I chose family. Some women might be able to do both just fine, but I knew for me that it had to be one or the other. Giving up the career I had been preparing for was tough because I had to transfer my dependence from myself to God and my husband. I have never once regretted that decision. And I truly feel stronger when I am able to give up control and trust God with my future.

Now I'm in the mood to jam to "Declaration of Dependence" by Stephen Curtis Chapman and praise my Creator. Care to join me? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GpwrBn0eXQ&feature=related