A total disaster. Or as today’s generation would describe it – epic fail!  What is? Who?

We may find our Christian walk is where our career or relationships are or who we are at a point.  Yet, God called us overcomers. I cringed at my seat last Sunday to hear it.

I couldn’t identify with the big people in the Bible who overcame big time. Moses, a murderer but who overcame and led a nation across the Red Sea. Or David, the adulterer who overcame and is now known as a man after God’s heart. But I saw my everyday life in Paul who struggled doing what he knew, he must not do and not doing what he knew he must do. As a parent, a spouse, a co-worker or a classmate, churchmate, an everyday driver or commuter, the struggle is real!

It is encouraging to learn how Paul dealt with epic fails:

• He knew that in our weakness, God’s power is exalted.   
• He kept in mind God’s sustaining presence.
• Again and again, Paul reminded himself that the pain is momentary, nothing that compares to the eternal glory that will far outweigh our troubles.

Paul chose God over his own desires, enduring shipwrecks and beatings to live for Christ. Moses, the hesitant leader, stuck it through the Israelites’ endless complaints. They were like jars of clay molded in the Potter’s hand. Pastor Joven, Peel’s bearer of the good news last Sunday, dared to ask – what are the marks in your life so far that God has been exalted? Turn of events and decisions that were difficult to be in and yet you chose God over your comfort so He will shine?

Life can be messy, it can hurt. Live anyway. God has your back. Whatever is holding you back to live victoriously for the Lord, let go and take the next step. If you have the treasure in you as jars of clay, do not be afraid, you can overcome.

— Ailene Oliveros