Overcoming

“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.” John 16:33

The other day I was driving around knocking out some errands listening to the radio. This woman began telling the story of how the band Fleetwood Mac weathered the storm of two of the band members during their breakup. Lindsey Buckingham was the lead singer in the song ‘Go Your Own Way’ which was directed at his band-mate and former love Stevie Nicks. It went on to become a top-ten single from their wildly successful Rumours album. What was interesting to hear was the advice given to the band by their wise producer. The band was in tumult and the chaos threatened the band’s existence. Their producer told them that despite the pain and the emotional upheaval the ‘show must go on.’ He encouraged them to pour their souls and sadness into their music instead of allowing it to destroy everything. They did just that and was the payoff remarkable! The album’s songs hit the top-ten distinction one after another and provided us with some of the most incredible music to this day. Their pain was their journey and their passion were their healing. I can only imagine the millions of broken hearts who played this song repeatedly trying to give expression to their pain.

I began thinking about everyone who faces various trials while walking on this earth. We all have been equipped by God to channel our experiences…to process our problems…to triumph over our troubles. He has given us His promise to never leave us whether our circumstances are relational, financial, medical or spiritual. Through our tests God produces our testimonies if we keep our eyes on Him and truly believe in the healing. We all have seasons where it feels as if we are walking around with exposed hearts and grieving souls. What will we do with our suffering? Will we allow it to destroy the song that God is writing in our lives, or will we partner with Him in creating beautiful music?

‘Your life is God’s story being told and His character being displayed. How does your life read? What is your life telling others about the God you serve? As a result of your decisions, do they get to see Him displayed in His best light? As we surrender to divine interventions (or not) each chapter of our lives puts God on display. You cannot reach complete satisfaction in life apart from your decision to engage in His predetermined plans.’ Jonah – Navigating a Life Interrupted, Priscilla Shirer, p.27.

When facing our challenges we can go with God or like the song says we can 'Go our own way.'