Stainless Steel- Overcome

Happy Friday, everyone! The weekend is here, the sun is shining and it is still summertime!

Not sure how many of you use stainless steel cookware, but it is new territory for me. It is very different from using non-stick cookware which is what I am used to. Why did I make the switch? Two reasons: 1. I have heard stainless steel is better to cook with in terms of health (non-toxic), lifestyle and quality. 2. I personally love to cook and have read that the food does taste better/ more versatility when cooking. That said, not so long ago, I burned one of my stainless steel pans and it is now “stained.”

As I was standing at the kitchen sink, staring at my now stained pan, I thought to myself, “Great! Now what? How do I get this stain out? Can it come out? Does this mean it’s dirty? Is it possible for this stain to come out?” Those type of questions can be asked when we’re going through our daily life, not only when it comes to cleaning.

Some of you may know this, but I love the Gospel of John. It is by far one of my favorite gospels. It’s probably because it’s the one I have read over and over the most and studied the most. It’s the book of the Bible I read when I need to be reminded of who Jesus is and at times, when I don’t know what else to read.

A few days ago, at about 6 am, I was sitting on my couch, with my Bible, getting ready to read John 16. I had just finished journaling. Sometimes, when I journal, my writings come out as prayers. Prayers that my mouth can’t necessarily say out loud because I don’t have the right words to articulate what I’m feeling, but I am able to write them down. In that moment, I was expressing to the Lord how I needed Him and His help. I need and will consistently need more of Him especially if I want to overcome the thoughts and questions that overwhelm my mind. If I'm honest, as I always am with you guys, a lot of my need for the Lord has stemmed from the grief, disappointment and “after” when it comes to the passing of my mother in law. I do want to say this…I am in no way destroyed nor is my husband. We do know and believe everything that the enemy meant for evil, the Lord will turn into good! We have seen victory already here, but as stated before, grief is not linear.

When you don’t know what else to believe, we must believe His Word. His Word reveals His character (Jesus).

Okie, back to the story! After I finished journaling, I started to read John 16. As I read the chapter, verse 33 leaped off the page! In case you don’t know, this verse is Jesus Himself speaking to His disciples. It reads,"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Immediately, I began to write again…but this time, my writings were different. They were declarative about what Jesus has overcome!

You (Jesus) have overcome!

You (Jesus) have overcome death itself.

You (Jesus) have overcome rejection.

You (Jesus) have overcome torment.

You (Jesus) have overcome illness and disease.

You (Jesus) have overcome shame.

You (Jesus) have overcome confusion.

You (Jesus) have overcome the lies of the enemy.

You (Jesus) have overcome hell and it’s schemes.

It was as if the Holy Spirit was reminding me of what Jesus has overcome. And the thing about it is, as soon as I finished writing those declaratives, I also wrote down (heard the Holy Spirit say), “And guess what, so can you (me/us).”

Guys, be confident of this one thing, that because our Savior Jesus Christ has overcome the world and all it’s “stains,” and the questions that may come along with it, that WE can overcome it all as well. Not in our own strength, but in Him.

If you’re reading this and don’t know or believe in Jesus, that’s okay. Welcome to On Fridays, We Clean and know that the God of the universe is absolutely besotted with you. He loves you with a love that we’ll never truly understand because of our flawed understanding of love. He wants you to get to know Him and He’ll wait for you. You don’t have to be afraid of Him. Don’t believe the lies that He’s a mean God, pointing His finger at you and condemning you.  He loves you and is waiting with open arms to embrace you with unconditional love. You can give Him a chance. Give Him a chance to show you Who He really is, not what people have told you, and experience Him for yourself.

We love you, Jesus and I.

Question:

Is there anything in your life that seems impossible to overcome? Read John 16:33- Remind yourself that He has overcome the world!