In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
JOHN 16:33
I once prayed that God would help us overcome the challenges we were facing as we launched The A21 Campaign in Greece. In fact, I was on my way there and had just said amen when an announcement came over the loudspeaker. “All passengers on Aegean Airlines flight to Thessaloniki, Greece, we are now boarding. Those on Aegean Airlines to Thessaloniki, Greece, board at gate A21.”
Gate A21. Sometimes God has to shout over the crowds and the clamor for us to understand that, although there will always be difficulties in this world, the One who created the universe can overcome them.
This was one of those times.
By choosing, at the exact time A21 was under fire, to have my flight leave from the gate that bore the same name as our campaign, God was subtly reminding me of who was in charge: “Yes,” he was saying, “the odds are stacked against you. Overwhelmingly, in fact. Yes, every bit of reason and all the advice you’ve paid for says to stop before you’ve even started. Yes, the giants you’re facing can make you think there’s no way forward. But none of those things can stop me, and when you do my will, they can’t stop you, either.”
There’s so much temptation to think otherwise. We’re asked to speak to a group but think, “I can’t! I’m too shy.” We want to volunteer at a local shelter, but our schedule will tell us that we’re too busy and cannot add one more thing. We want to make a career change to follow what we know is our calling, yet our confidence will mutter, “Stay where you are. There are too many unknowns! It makes no sense to give up a job other people would kill for just to try for some ephemeral sense of happiness.” We must remember that God is always with us and always making a way for us to do his will, to bring his hope and change into this world.
MOMENT OF REFLECTION
Do you feel like the odds are stacked against you?
How will you overcome the odds and accomplish God’s purpose?