Overcome

I was scared to death. It was time to face my fear head-on. I took a deep breath and stood up, my legs trembling a little as I walked to the front of the class. I set my notecards on the small podium, looked at my classmates, cleared my throat, and began. "Exercise is an essential part of being healthy. And what's just as important is how to correctly stretch beforehand." Blank faces looked back at me. My hands shook a little as I continued. I had everyone stand up, and we performed the stretches together. I gave pointers and guidance on specific stretches to do in order to stretch out certain muscles. As I shared and we stretched, I began to relax. My nerves had calmed, and I was able to smile as I talked. A few minutes later, as I walked back to my seat and the next speech began, the feeling of excitement stayed with me. Overcoming my fear was a big step, and it instilled confidence in an area that I struggled with.

As Christians, we have an amazing way to cope with struggles and worries. When our legs shake and we can't keep our hands steady, all we have to do is look to Jesus. He is there, waiting for us to lean on Him, to hold on to His outstretched hand, and ask Him for His guidance and strength. He has promised never to leave nor forsake us. It's a promise we can hold on to, especially during times of disappointment and trial. And when we feel like giving up, that's when He holds us in His arms and reminds us that with Him, we can overcome anything together.

I love Mandisa's song "Overcomer." The lyrics are so encouraging and refreshing. 

"You're an overcomer

Stay in the fight 'til the final round

You're not going under

'Cause God is holding you right now

You might be down for a moment

Feeling like it's hopeless

That's when He reminds you

That you're an overcomer."

So hang in there. When the world gets tough, just remember Who holds you, and Who believes in you. He will always be your biggest fan.

"In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33b