Sometimes my kids and I watch the show called ‘The Real Winning Edge’. It comes on Saturday mornings in Fox network for our area. It’s about stories of teenagers who overcome great obstacles, and live admirably and victoriously. Many times in their suffering they find God, and their personal relationship with God deepens during their trials. Their stories always inspire me. I remember one featured athlete shared how when he plays football he can sense God’s pleasure in him playing football. I never thought of God finding joy in watching his child play football but why not? I’m not an athlete but even I find satisfaction watching my kids play soccer well. In the same way, when I write I sense God’s pleasure in me doing what I’m called to do. Sometimes I feel sloppy and even too fatigued to write but when I pick myself again to write I sense God’s pleasure. (I used to be a terrible writer but under God’s grace and anointing, writing comes easily and peacefully.)

I was reflecting the past fews days on the lives of Joseph, Daniel and Moses. They were born into loving homes but due to different circumstances they were all exiled from their families and homeland. They had to learn to live in their new posts finding contentment daily in the grace of God. I believe they also learned obedience to God as they submitted to their superiors who didn’t worship their God. I believe they also acquired great wisdom and patience because that’s the only way they can thrive in their hostile environments. It didn’t happen overnight but little by little their lives as exiles were successful and productive. 

When we are reborn into the kingdom of God through our belief in Jesus Christ, we are born into a loving kingdom. However even the best heroes of faith can end up in exile. Sometimes I wonder if Daniel, Moses and Joseph could’ve become all they were created for if they didn’t live as exiles. Can they have accomplished so much in their generation without their experiences and wisdom acquired as exiles? I don’t know. But I do know that they accomplished great things for the glory of God in their generation as exiles and as freed men too. 

Joseph probably had many opportunities to escape as his influence rose in his jailed environment. I marvel that he never ran away once. My personal thought is that his great obedience and reverence to God prevented him from running away. Likewise, there were many times especially earlier in my Christian walk that I wanted to run away from my marriage. It was so hard. As tempting as it was, I didn’t because I knew in my heart God wanted me in it.

Yesterday I was gathering pictures for my daughter’s photo montage that will be shown at her upcoming bat mitzvah. Waves of powerful emotions and memories would overtake me as each year I would remember the good, the bad and the ugly. Behind the smiles I recalled the arguments, explosive fights and great rage/turmoil within me. I was also longing for the close family friendships we used to have. Perhaps one day my family can have close family friendships again. But even if not, I have learned to be content in all circumstances. 

I remember one of the very first bible verses that the Holy Spirit gave me when I came back was this: 
Philippians 4:11-13 (NLT)
…I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

Not exactly what I wanted to hear on my homecoming but this is exactly what I needed to hear for the journey ahead. 

A friend of mine who reads my blog wishes that I write more on the joy of the Lord and my victories in the Lord. Well, I live as an exile currently so it’s not very comfortable. But if you look at my life as an outsider, I live very productively and successfully. I’ve learned to be authentic with my struggles in my small group but not complaining. Also I keep my struggles from becoming bigger than the God I follow and serve. Many nonbelievers tell me I look peaceful and happy too. Then that’s the joy of the Lord coming through on its own – Praise God!!

My dear readers, please know that I’m praying for you. Whatever circumstance or environment you are in, you can learn to be content and yet have great hope knowing that God is faithful and will keep His promises for your life. Hold onto the word of God and keep having faith, even if as small as a mustard seed. Please pray for me too. Thank you! -From the heart with love. 

Here’s the Real Winning Edge website if you want to check it out:

http://www.realwinningedge.com/

12/7- The Lord gave me another promise to hold onto and so I’m adding it here for me to remember.

Nehemiah 1:9 (NLT)

But if you return to me and obey my commands and live by them, then even if you are exiled to the ends of the earth, I will bring you back to the place I have chosen for my name to be honored.