31 Days of Victory: {Day 7} Saying Yes

“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service. Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief.  The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” -The Apostle Paul, 1 Timothy 1:12-17

Yesterday we talked about how victory doesn’t mean that you’ve reached perfection or that you never make mistakes. Victory is accepting God’s sufficient grace in the face of our inevitable weaknesses. I sat in that truth all day and I was overwhelmed by God’s love for me in spite of my junk—past, present and future. A friend of mine commented that it reminded her that even she could have victory. That blessed my heart so much because that’s what this whole 31 days is all about. My desire is to convey to each reader that, regardless of your background, past, compulsions or weaknesses, you can experience victory in Jesus Christ!

Look at Paul {formerly known as Saul}. He was a persecutor of Christians. He was zealous for his work in making life miserable for those who professed the name of Christ. But when he was on the road to Damascus, to continue persecuting God, the LORD met Him. God appeared to Saul with such glory that it actually caused him to go blind. God saved him, his sight was recovered—both physically and spiritually—and he was never the same. Paul, whose name means “little,” claimed that he was the most wretched of sinners. Yet, God chose him to not only spread the gospel of truth but also to write a significant number of books in the Bible. And just think about how the words of Paul {inspired by God} still bless us and challenge us to this day!

Paul was not the only one. The stories in the Bible of godly people with an ungodly past and Christians who fell short seem endless. Moses had a stutter and a fear of public speaking. Furthermore, he was a murderer and a fugitive. King David was an adulterer. The woman at the well was a fornicator. Peter denied Jesus and struggled in his faith. Yet God chose all these people, and many more like them, to build His Kingdom. If God can use them in such a mighty way, He can certainly use us!

I do have to point out that in spite of their failures, there is one thing I noticed as a common thread in the lives of all these famous believers… OBEDIENCE.

Although they felt unqualified, they said YES to the call of God on their lives. There was desert wandering. There was uncertainty. There was persecution. But there was also a promise land, there were thousands added to the kingdom, there was a legacy—all because there was a YES in their hearts for Him. We shouldn’t let our past, our flaws, our fears or our circumstances paralyze us from moving forward and saying, “Yes, God. Here I am. Use me!” 

To be victorious is to have a YES in your heart for God. He will bless your YES.

What’s your story? The testimony of your weakness is a beautiful tool in the hand of God, one that brings glory to His name. I pray that you don't shrink back from your gifts, your purpose, or your calling because you feel unqualified. 

What is God calling you to today? Will you say YES?

Victoriously,

Monique Zackery

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