A lot of times, one of the hardest things is to stay afloat.
To keep from drowning in our circumstances.
This is one of the things that unites us at Gracefully Overcoming. Because it doesn’t matter if it is finances, faith, or fatigue from chronic illness, we are all trying to stay afloat. We are aiming to do two things:
The first is to place our hope in our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. He is literally the One who will rescue us and give us the strength to keep on fighting. And the second? To stay afloat, despite the hardships we face in our lives. These two things help us to find comfort and companionship with others who can relate.
As I write tonight, something becomes painfully obvious. During my trials, I do anything but gracefully overcome. It has always been my goal to more graceful in how I handle the difficulties of chronic illness. But if we were to calibrate my difficulty level, it would reveal that I am not handling things gracefully or gently.
Thankfully, the Lord led me to a new project a few days ago. I have been asking others what some of their top Scriptures are – in regards to their trials. And as I think about this project and difficulties arise, I am becoming even more aware of my need for this resource.
As I walk this road called life, I am reminded repeatedly that I need our Savior and King Jesus and others, in order to make it through each moment of my trials. I cannot stay afloat all on my own – no matter how much I wish I could.
In order to deal with not being okay, I am seeking to lean on my Savior for strength through each moment I face. I need to be communing with the Lord much more often, so that I do have the strength to fight.
Romans 12 is an amazing chapter of Scripture. It is filled with many nuggets to help us to keep hoping in the Lord and to willfully place ourselves in Christian community – whether in person or online. For myself, my online community with Christians who face chronic illness and/or other trials is a blessed place and where I need to be… even on the days, when self-isolating is too tempting.
Before we read a selected portion of Scripture, join me in prayerfully evaluating how we can better stay afloat. How can you draw nearer to Christ and His People?
Romans 12 says:
Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.
9-12, NLT
Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.
15-18
Gracefully Overcoming 