No Tear Shall Be Wasted

I have to be honest, last year was the worst.

From the loss of friendships to discouragement in my writing journey, sending my oldest off to college, to direct attacks from family and friends that I adored, and unexpected health challenges, it would seem the enemy was crashing in on every side. Though I would love to pretend that I was perfect in every scenario, it simply wasn’t the case. I issued more apologies, cried more tears, and regretted more conversations than ever. Some wounds are self-inflicted, AMEN!

The truth is, I went from victory to defeat. From conqueror to victim, quickly! I had fallen for the enemy’s ploy to attack me to the point of irritation, anxiety, and loss of motivation. And just like that, all the truth the Lord had spoken to me about victory over the years left my heart and mind. Truth that I had spoken to others, I allowed the enemy to steal while feeling helpless. Needless to say, I took a time of silence and Sabbath! I needed God more than ever to meet me in my brokenness and isolation.

Have you ever found yourself here?

Have you ever found yourself with more tears than prayers?

Where the biblical truth that had once kept you seemed all but forgotten?

But one day, my husband looked at me directly and said, “Victoria, you have to move forward.”

Move forward.

Move forward.

These words plagued my heart and mind. How can I just move forward when I was so restless, so defeated, and in active warfare? And for months, I wrestled with this notion. The more I tried to move forward, the more I would replay conversations or feel swallowed in guilt again. After all, I had promoted living in victory, and I was an absolute mess that could hardly get out of bed. But I could hear the voice of the Lord shining through the tears. He began to remind me of His love for me. He began to speak this verse over me in my moments of deep pain….

“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6

Yes, I was in a battle.

Yes, life was hard, but He who has begun a GOOD work is sure to finish it. In other words, God’s promises over my life had not been voided. There was still time to fulfill what He had started in me, if only I was willing to move forward and seek Him.

And today, I encourage you with a reminder that God has not forgotten you. In fact, the attacks can be a sheer sign that hell is waging war against you because you are SO close! It can be a sign that God needs to allow you to hit some roadblocks to strengthen your character for the days to come. Remember, James 1 reminds us to count it all joy when we face various trials for the testing of our faith and to build endurance.

I want to remind you of the biblical account of Joseph in Genesis 37-50! He is giving a great promise from the Lord. He would be used, and even those who were currently in a place of authority over him would one day serve him. Yet, this revelation doesn’t end in immediate reward. He is thrown into a pit by his own family. He is tempted by the wife of his future master, but even after declining her advances thrown into prison. He is forgotten in prison. Years after a dream from the Lord, Joseph experiences a radical advancement to be the second-in-command of Pharaoh. His road to fulfilling God’s promise was wrecked in sorrow, betrayal, confusion, and what felt like hopelessness. BUT GOD!

And before Joseph’s story concludes, he forgives those who harmed him and declares, “ As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.” Genesis 50:20

This is victory.

Victory is picking yourself back up.

Victory is trying again.

Victory is forgiving others and yourself.

Victory is the courage to say, "God, I am lost, and I need you more than ever."

Victory is moving forward.

So, my friend, I encourage you to try again. Since following my husband’s advice to move forward, I have found peace again, went back to school for a degree in worship ministry, wrote a new book, and even learned I was expecting. It is as if my willingness to just say, “God, I have reached the end of myself,” unleashed my ability to walk in joy and continue the work He put in my hand! I want this for you today!

God is not looking for the strongest in the room but the one who recognizes their humble need for a Savior.

No tears shall be wasted.

It’s time to move forward.

Let’s pray

Lord, I thank you for helping me to move forward. May the tears of the past be what helps me to grow a bountiful harvest. I pray for a softened heart to forgive those who have wronged me, and I repent for my wrong actions. I ask for healing and restoration in relationships that have been broken. I pray over my mental health that I would walk in wellness. May your words supersede the thoughts that plague my mind. Lord, help your truth to be my source and not my own insecurities. I trust you in my journey, Lord. Can you meet me here again? Can you give me the resilience and ability to move forward without shame or guilt? Thank you for the good work you have entrusted me with. Help me to steward the giftings well and no longer be held up or delayed by the schemes of the enemy. Give me eyes to see your perfect will for my life. In the name of Jesus, amen.

Victory Verse

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

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Thanks so much for reading! My name is Victoria, and I am so thankful that you took a moment to read my blog. My prayer is that you are encouraged to run closer to Jesus than ever before. There is no relationship like one with Jesus! If you haven't already, I invite you to purchase my new book Warrior Mother: Equipping Your Heart To Fight For Your Family's Faith or the Victory Walk: A 21 Day Devotional on Amazon today by clicking here.

And tomorrow, my new book The Worship Problem: From Sunday Morning Routine to Whole Life Devotion, will be available as well!

While you await your new books, head over to itunes, Spotify, Youtube or Amazon Music and sing out your victory with my latest single,"How Can It Be?

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