by Kala Loptien

Overcomers

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I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.
John 16:33 English Standard Version

A few years ago, our neighbors experienced a scary, destructive house fire. I’ll never forget the knock on our door. There stood my friend and her four children — stunned and tearful. The kids were scared, and shared that their dog was still over at the house somewhere. Without hesitating, my husband bolted out the back door and down the alley to their home. He busted a piece of the fence down and called her name across the giant backyard. She emerged and quickly came running to him. The reunion was so sweet. They were all safe. Sadly, their belongings, mementos and house as they knew it were totaled. They had a long road ahead, to begin again.

As I bring this memory back into my brain, I can vividly recall the fear, the loss, the damage and turmoil this fire caused. Though trials like these are so very difficult to reconcile, we look back and see God in the midst of it all. And the truth is, we are all in a tragic state; born in dire need of rescuing. Praise God that is not where the story ends. We are called by the Father, by name — to run from the flames of sin and the destruction of this broken world, into His amazingly gracious arms. It is there that we can find absolute rest, peace, and restoration. It’s the home our hearts desire. It is there that we can begin again. Our friends did just that. With their hope and trust firmly rooted in the Lord, they were more than conquerors.

And so are we. We know that challenges, trials and adversity will happen this side of heaven. But thanks be to God for His indescribable gift — the ultimate rescue plan: Jesus, our Rescuer and Savior.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado