WORD OF THE WEEK - OVERWHELMED - 11/19/23

Definition:  means overcome by force or numbers, or completely overcome or overpowered by thought or feeling.
Scripture:
Isaiah 26:3-4 - You will keep in perfect peace  those whose minds are steadfast,     because they trust in you.  Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.
Psalm 94:19 - “When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.”

Website:  www.wow-newton.com

Website: www.wow-newton.com
Email:  osnewton@wow-newton.com

Transcript

Definition:  means overcome by force or numbers, or completely overcome or overpowered by thought or feeling.
Scripture:
Isaiah 26:3-4 - You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.  Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.
Psalm 94:19 - “When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.”
THOUGHT
Many of us think that to be a Christian means that we have to be, at all times, full of faith and at the top of our “Always-Blessed” game.  If that were true, we would never be afraid, lonely, cast down, perplexed, confused or overwhelmed by the circumstances or problems we encounter in life. 
It is true that despite our divine connection, we are not perfect and are ONLY HUMAN!!
Because of that, God provided the scriptures as the divine instruction manual for each of us frail, flawed and flailing humans to use as we struggle to overcome our humanity and touch the divinity of God through the workings of His Holy Spirit. We are not exempt from feeling the pangs of being human, no more Jesus as he struggled in the flesh during his brief time as a human being on earth.
In the Bible are many examples of the people of God being overwhelmed by and with their problems, assignments, relationships, feelings, family, circumstances, illnesses and struggles.
For example: • Noah was overwhelmed with building the ark.  • Moses was overwhelmed with his assignment of leading the people out of Egypt.• David was overwhelmed with fear of being captured, his emotions and the obligations of his role as ruler. • Job was overwhelmed by the loss of his family, wealth, health and status. • The woman with the issue of blood was overwhelmed with her years of illness with no hope of a cure. • Even Jesus was overwhelmed as he prayed to God before his capture, trial and inevitable crucifixion.
Each of these Bible heroes provide guidance on how to conquer the anxiety, fear, and crippling negative emotions we endure while in the state of being overwhelmed. 
This is my personal testimony.
I am currently in a situation where, because of illness, I have been called to minister to my daughter and her family. The demands of the continuing education of my grandchildren, who are being home-schooled and providing for the needs of the family, have left me feeling stressed, exhausted and overwhelmed. I was beginning to lose my perspective and turn inward toward negativity and hopelessness. The word “OVERWHELMED” struck me. 
• Then, I PRAYED!!  I asked God to provide me with what I need most to move forward with a positive perspective and a renewed spirit. • It rekindled my TRUST and FAITH that God will answer my prayers and that all will work out because of my love for Him. • I could then RELEASE MY FEAR AND ANXIETY and REST. • To keep me strong, I will have to remember EACH DAY to SURRENDER MY WILL TO GOD’S.
I know, in my humanity, that there will be issues that will come to test my resolve, but I am confident that God will supply exactly what I will need to address all the issues, no matter how great or how small.
In the meantime, I ask that you pray for and with me, as I continue to pray for you!