Issue 2 | 2023

STEPPING FORWARD
fulfill his purpose for me. He will send help from heaven to rescue me, disgracing
those who hound me. My God will send
forth his unfailing love and faithfulness” (NLT).
David was on the run, hiding in a cave from
King Saul, when he wrote this psalm. The king
was trying to kill him! Surely, David was confused.
He had loved this man who was attacking him.
So how did he maintain hope and not become
discouraged? He drew close to the Lord in prayer.
He remembered God’s unfailing love and faithfulness.
He trusted in the promise that God would
fulfill His purpose in David’s life.
We need to do the same during our times of
attack. It’s how we emerge from the battle victorious.
But if we forget, how do we overcome
hopelessness and get back on track with God?
Here are some tips I learned from David.
God’s Purpose;
Your Trials
BY CARLA OWENS
HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED WHAT GOD’S PURPOSE is for your life?
According to Webster’s, the definition of purpose is “something set up as an
object or end to be attained.”
I desire God’s purpose in my life. Jeremiah 29:11 promises He has good
plans for me, and I have a future and hope. I’ve heard this verse my entire life.
But hearing it and resting on that promise are two different things.
I struggle with knowing God’s purpose for my life, especially when trouble
comes at me from different directions at the same time. That’s when I have to
draw close to God. Only He can help me withstand those fiery darts. If I forget
that, I quickly become hopeless and start questioning everything.
Am I making the right decisions? I wonder. Is everyone against me? Is this
what I’m supposed to be doing? Am I following God’s will? Have I disappointed
Him? Am I being punished? Stress gathers and grows.
But then I remember Romans 8:28, “And we know that God causes everything
to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to
his purpose for them” (NLT). God is always working every circumstance
together for good for His children.
The psalms written by David bring me great comfort. It’s incredible that
even a “man after God’s own heart” (Acts 13:22) faced opposition and felt
discouraged at times. It shows me that I can be in the center of God’s will for
my life, actively pursuing Him, and still have trials.
David teaches me how to fight and how to overcome discouragement during
attacks. He says in Psalm 57:2–3, “I cry out to God Most High, to God who will
PRAY. Cry out to God. Tell Him what you need
and leave your situation with Him (Philippians
4:6–8). His peace will overcome your hopelessness
and keep you moving forward. Prayer is
powerful.
READ HIS WORD. As we search the scriptures,
we gain understanding and wisdom. The Bible
isn’t something to be read and checked off a
spiritual to-do list. It’s life to us. Study it intentionally
and with a hungry heart, and you’ll find
the strength you need for the battle. (See Psalm
119:114; 2 Timothy 3:16–17.)
SURROUND YOURSELF WITH FAITH-FILLED
PEOPLE. God designed us to do life together.
Ecclesiastes 4:10 says two are better than one
because “if either of them falls down, one can
help the other up” (NIV). Ask God to send godly
people who will support and encourage you.
Likewise, be that person for someone else.
TRUST GOD. God will never leave you or
forsake you. He gave the ultimate sacrifice—
Jesus—for you, and He will provide you with
everything you need (Romans 8:32). No battle
is too difficult for Him.
God will fulfill His purpose for you. The battle
you’re facing doesn’t mean you’ve failed or that
He is absent. Do the above and trust that He will
send His help from heaven and rescue you.
CARLA OWENS loves the Lord and seeks daily to know
Him more intimately. She serves as Victorious Living’s
administrative director.
VICTORIOUSLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
Issue 02 / 2023
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