Against the Odds

I feel the need to stop on our journey for just a minute.

I have a tiny rock in my shoe that is driving me crazy, and I also think it's time to pause and remind ourselves again how far we have gone since we started on this adventure.

Otherwise, we will keep looking ahead at how far we gotta go instead of appreciating how far we've made it so far!  

And I mean this rock, I just can't even.

I wish I were with you right now so I could put my hands on your shoulders, lead you right in front of a mirror, and read these words as you stare into the awesomeness that stands before you.

You

Have

Come

So

Far

I am tearing up and beaming with pride, thinking of all that you have overcome.

Sure, God rescued and saved you, but you had to reach up and take the steps up and out.

And you did it.

You crawled and fought your way forward, sometimes inches at a time.

Against all odds, you overcame and persevered.

They didn't think you would do it.

Heck, you didn't think you could do it.

But you did.

Look at your life.

Seriously, look around at it.

Look at all the people you have who love you.

Look at the work you have done and the differences you have made.

Look at the battles you fought and won.

You could have turned back.  

You could have said no.

You could have stayed put.

You could have shrunk down.

You could have believed the statistics and lies that someone like you could never amount to anything.

But you didn't listen to those stories, at least not for very long.

You chose to hear what God had to say, believing who He said you were, and following Him as He led you to possibilities you never could have seen.

God redeemed you into this powerful person you see before you.

Just take it in for a second.

You beat the odds.

I am so freaking proud of you.

You came from behind and triumphed above and beyond expectations.

Man, that is just awesome.

Let's rest today, bask in God's glory for a while, and tell tales of all He has done to get us this far.

Look at what you and God have done!

James 1:12

Blessed [happy, spiritually prosperous, favored by God] is the man who is steadfast under trial and perseveres when tempted; for when he has passed the test and been approved, he will receive the [victor's] crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. 

Isaiah 41:13

For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.

1 Corinthians 15: 57-58

But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory [as conquerors] through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord [always doing your best and doing more than is needed], being continually aware that your labor [even to the point of exhaustion] in the Lord is not futile nor wasted [it is never without purpose].