More than Conquerors....

A few weeks ago I was taking some photographs of my neighbors flowers. I was drinking in the colors, textures and smells. A scripture came to my mind as I reflected about how completely different I am compared to who I used to be.

"If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation;

the old has gone, the new has come!"

2 Corinthians 5:17

I continued on and as I approached one particular flower, all seamed peaceful. It was not until I drew closer that a little surprise was waiting to be discovered. Do you ever feel like danger is lurking in the shadows, just waiting to pounce and devour? The beauty entices and draws you in and then hiding ever so silently in the darkness lies something unexpected and even frightening.

There is always some unknowns in our lives (those hidden dangers) just waiting to be revealed by time and circumstance. Weather we are in the grip of illness, injury, uncertain future or death.

We all have to face our fears in one form or another.

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

James 1:2-4

I believe that darkness and light, sorrow and joy, suffering and healing, grief and acceptance, bondage and freedom go hand in hand with one another. This is Gods design. Darkness, suffering and pain isn't just a black void that destroys us, it is a means to define and reveal to us just exactly where the light exists.

Being held in the darkness of our fears in some strange way can actually become a gift that helps us all see how bright the light really is and how much we need (Him).

"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Be self-controlled and alert.

Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for some

one to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings."

1 Peter 5:7-9

"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword.

For your sake we face death all day long;

W

e

are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Romans 8:35-39