“Victory comes in the surrender.” Those words echoed in my mind as Pastor Jason encouraged our hearts through the book of Joshua this past week.
So much of Joshua’s victory in the battle of Jericho was tied to faith and surrender. Marching around the city before any walls came down. Walking in faith, declaring the battle was the Lord’s, and taking up the fruit of the Spirit of self-control to get there.
I know a thing or two about waiting. For the past seven years, I have struggled with a myriad of health issues. I have seen countless doctors, waited in many waiting rooms anticipating an answer, only to be met with the words “everything looks fine” when I feel so much less than fine.
A few years back, I remember being in one particular waiting room. I was hopeful that this doctor would finally give me an answer as to why I felt so fatigued, run down, and filled with brain fog. As he put up my test results and started to say “I really don’t see anything wrong here…” I felt an immediate rush of peace come over my body like a gentle wave.
It was the Holy Spirit, sent to comfort me. God whispered, “Don’t worry Erika, I know what’s wrong with you. I’ve got this.”
From that day forward, I have been to many doctors, but my focus is much different, and my hope is much more secure. I no longer put my faith in what a doctor can or can’t solve. My hope is now in my Healer; the One who ultimately knows and guides my every step.
During these years of waiting, God keeps bringing me the story of the woman with the issue of blood (Luke 8). All it took was one touch of the hem of Jesus’ cloak to make her well. I believe God can heal me in an instant, just like that woman. But it’s not lost on me that the final words Jesus spoke to her were this, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.”
Before I see the victory, I must have faith.
Before any healing happens, I must believe God can do it.
Before the resolve, there is waiting in expectant hope.
Friend, have you lost hope for something in your life? Have you wondered if God will ever answer that prayer you’ve been praying for decades? I know the feeling all too well. I know it hurts to see others have promises fulfilled as you stand there with empty hands and a hurting heart.
But God never stops working behind the scenes of your life. He never sleeps, He never tires to bring about good in the most difficult situations. And He never turns a deaf ear to your prayers. He hears every single one. He catches every tear in His hands.
Do me a favor, please don’t stop talking to Him, OK?
Don’t stop waiting with hope. He sees your faith, and He will reward it in time. And remember, just like the woman who touched the hem of Jesus’ cloak, victory can be ours in an instant.
And nothing, not even this battle you are facing, can stop God’s great plan for you.
So much of Joshua’s victory in the battle of Jericho was tied to faith and surrender. Marching around the city before any walls came down. Walking in faith, declaring the battle was the Lord’s, and taking up the fruit of the Spirit of self-control to get there.
I know a thing or two about waiting. For the past seven years, I have struggled with a myriad of health issues. I have seen countless doctors, waited in many waiting rooms anticipating an answer, only to be met with the words “everything looks fine” when I feel so much less than fine.
A few years back, I remember being in one particular waiting room. I was hopeful that this doctor would finally give me an answer as to why I felt so fatigued, run down, and filled with brain fog. As he put up my test results and started to say “I really don’t see anything wrong here…” I felt an immediate rush of peace come over my body like a gentle wave.
It was the Holy Spirit, sent to comfort me. God whispered, “Don’t worry Erika, I know what’s wrong with you. I’ve got this.”
From that day forward, I have been to many doctors, but my focus is much different, and my hope is much more secure. I no longer put my faith in what a doctor can or can’t solve. My hope is now in my Healer; the One who ultimately knows and guides my every step.
During these years of waiting, God keeps bringing me the story of the woman with the issue of blood (Luke 8). All it took was one touch of the hem of Jesus’ cloak to make her well. I believe God can heal me in an instant, just like that woman. But it’s not lost on me that the final words Jesus spoke to her were this, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.”
Before I see the victory, I must have faith.
Before any healing happens, I must believe God can do it.
Before the resolve, there is waiting in expectant hope.
Friend, have you lost hope for something in your life? Have you wondered if God will ever answer that prayer you’ve been praying for decades? I know the feeling all too well. I know it hurts to see others have promises fulfilled as you stand there with empty hands and a hurting heart.
But God never stops working behind the scenes of your life. He never sleeps, He never tires to bring about good in the most difficult situations. And He never turns a deaf ear to your prayers. He hears every single one. He catches every tear in His hands.
Do me a favor, please don’t stop talking to Him, OK?
Don’t stop waiting with hope. He sees your faith, and He will reward it in time. And remember, just like the woman who touched the hem of Jesus’ cloak, victory can be ours in an instant.
And nothing, not even this battle you are facing, can stop God’s great plan for you.
Erika Pizzo
Erika is the author of the blog yourtemplecare.com where she encourages women to care for their mind, body, and spirit as they grow closer to Jesus. She also hosts the podcast “Temple Care” where she provides weekly messages of encouragement. Erika lives with her husband, daughter, son, and their fluffy poodle in sunny Southern California. Her two favorite things are a visit to the beach with a chai latte in hand.