Victory
My Daughter’s Victory
The exuberance of victory surged through my daughter as she crossed the finish line first. She leaped, clapped and shouted. She grabbed her sister in a bear hug and together they hopped in a circle. Joy radiated from her.
My Victory
Today God gave me victory. Last night someone offended me. I felt wronged and angry. As I headed to bed I prayed several times, “Lord, help me process these feelings. I don’t want to sin by holding offense and anger. I want to be clean inside. I give the anger to you.” As I pondered trying to talk to the other person, “Turn the other cheek,” came to mind. I also thought of my friend. In her position of leadership she is often hurt by others, yet her peaceful countenance is never ruffled. She waits for God to vindicate her. This morning, I prayed one more time. Exuberance filled me as I realized all the ugly feelings had vanished.
Your Victory
Each one of us faces potential offense or hurt from others. Sometimes from a close loved one or co-worker. We have a choice to make at that moment. We can rehearse the offense in our mind and think of all the reasons we are right and they are wrong. Or we can choose to focus on God and ask Him for help in dealing with the feelings. If our mind reverts to the offense, we simply pray again. And again, until we can think of the situation with joy in the realization that we have forgiven them. Go for victory.
Prayer
Lord, give us strength to turn away from the sin of holding offense. Instead may we find joy in the victory of a pure heart.
