In a time of great distress, I called my husband in tears. I needed him to say it could all be fixed, not to worry, and “I’ll come home soon.” Instead, he said, “Diane, rehearse what God has already done.” And though that was decades ago, I have never forgotten the phrase:
Rehearse what God has already done.
This is a powerful choice. We stop looking at “what if’s” and focus on the witness of His power, attention to our needs, His personal love that He has already demonstrated; prayers He has answered; strength He has delivered; and peace He fully and unconditionally provides. We then take ownership of the HOPE waiting to be adopted as our own possession.
As Julie Mullins of Christ Fellowship reminded me: “Testimony multiplies the miracle.”
As you tell your rehearsed story, the emotion and remembrance pours forth to others who can then be encouraged. Sunday at church, I met a woman who had just received a breast cancer diagnosis. She was in tears at what lay ahead. My testimony poured out, “Don’t focus on what you don’t know; focus on what you do know. He will never leave you or forsake you.” Jesus walked with me through every step of cancer, even the ones I tripped over! And as I stood before the woman whole and healthy, she believed that He would also bring her through.
That’s why on November 5th, we will be sharing stories of courage against all odds and dangers, of trauma cast out and banished in lives, of women who dare to rescue the vulnerable and abandoned. This will be a HISTORIC DAY! And across the seas, women will know “I am loved. There is hope.”
Today I want to add, “What God has already said…”. Scripture after scripture shouts out “Hope! Victory! Overcoming! Our God reigns!”
“Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: Now have come the salvation and the power
and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Messiah.
For the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before our God day and night,
has been hurled down. They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb
and by the word of their testimony…” Revelation 12:10-11 NIV
This accuser’s name is Satan. When I am overwhelmed with life (which can happen to all of us as we watch the news, read social media; after a day of conflict at work; family dynamics; daily stress), I go to the Word of God sent to each of us.
These words belong to you. They were written to remind you that no matter what you are seeing, hearing, or experiencing, Jesus remains on the throne! This is my story. This is my song. Rehearse the words of Jesus: “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 NIV
Can it be that simple? My heart changed from fear to peace in a moment? My story has the power to encourage someone? It can be. Filter out all the junk that occupies your mind; protect your heart from storing these thoughts; and “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:2
Register today and share the Good News – Hope is being shared with women across the globe! You can be a part of this day.
Always Expect Amazing,
Diane Strack, Founder and President
