I am more than conqueror. Because God Is.
I have been noticing something lately. I tend to think an awful lot in terms of “I feel”. But God does not talk that way. He says, “I Am.” And “I choose” (“I will”).
My “I feel” can really color my day. I feel energetic!… or weak. I feel happy… or depressed. I feel peaceful… or angry. Not that feelings are bad in and of themselves, but we are missing a key component:
I choose.
I choose to get out of bed and do something… or not. I choose to smile… or to let this moment pass into eternity with a clouded brow. I choose to react calmly… or to justify my momentary (or all–day–long?) outburst. I choose.
Our feelings do not choose for us. As much as it sometimes may feel like it.
I choose.
Where is my focus? Is it on the I Am?
“I Am your God. I will [I have decided to and I am going to] strengthen you.” And never forget: what God says, is. If He says He will strengthen you… You. Are. Strong.
Are you talking in “I am”?
“I feel so weak (physically, emotionally, spiritually…).” Or, “I am strong” because of “Christ which strengtheneth me”.
“I feel so discouraged.” Or, I am “more than conqueror!” And I will (I choose to) place that first foot in front of the next and step into that Jordan in faith. Because God Is. And He will.
If it must be a small step, so be it. I will take that step. Forward.
Even the love which must drive our children’s ministries — our entire Christian lives, for that matter — comes from a decision. To love is a decision.
Yes, feelings are definitely nice. Making a choice that follows a like feeling feels (there’s that word again) much more natural in the moment. But in the end, it all comes down to will. To choice.
Feelings tend to follow decisions — sooner or later.
To deny that is to put ourselves in a very dangerous position.
I daresay this is a point (the point?) upon which countless marriages fail. “I just don’t feel love anymore….” It is at that moment that it is all the more important to choose love!
And I daresay this is the same point upon which many Christians lose faith.
So what will you choose today? What will I choose?
“I feel so unworthy.” Or, “I am a child of the King! He has chosen me. I choose to honor my Father.”
“I feel so cheap… so worthless.” Or, “I am priceless — because I was purchased at a priceless cost. I choose to treat myself — and others — like the valuable, purposely created, precious beings that we are!”
“I feel so powerless.” Or, “I choose to serve the Almighty;” and “the Lord GOD will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint[, focused, unmovable], and I know that I shall not be ashamed.”
I am… beloved, conqueror, light in the darkness, strong… because I serve the Great I Am… with all my heart, with all my mind, with all my strength. I am because I choose. And because He Is.
What are some promises you cling to (or plan to cling to next time!) when negative feelings threaten to get in the way? Let’s share them in the comments! 
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