AN OVERCOMER’S JOY
Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil because of the Son of Man. RejoiceG5463 in that day and leap for joyG4640, because great is your reward in heaven. For their fathers treated the prophets in the same way.
Luke 6:22-23
During my senior year at Bob Hope High School, I (Susan) could have had a full ride scholarship to any college in Texas, but I had a firm conviction from the Lord that I was to attend Oral Roberts University in Oklahoma. A few students and faculty members did not know quite how to take this news. Some students would laugh and make fun of ORU’s founder, Oral Roberts. However, I had to go where God had called me. I would not be discouraged or dissuaded by their negative responses. I was trying to secure scholarships and grants. Therefore, I wrote letters seeking more financial assistance. Knowing that I had some physical disabilities, they were not quick to send back information. There are limitations in most people’s lives. In my eyes, these are only challenges to be overcome. The administrators at that time at ORU were concerned about how I could facilitate living in a dorm and getting to class each day successfully. I put flyers all over campus advertising for personal attendants because I was not allowed to register until I had secured attendant care.
God was then, is now, and ever will be faithful. The Lord provided students I trained to meet my personal needs—assistance with eating, grooming, transfers, etc. The university provided students to transcribe my dictated papers and assist me with taking notes on my reading assignments. I lived successfully in the dorm for eight years while earning two degrees. The fact that I made it through college is evidence of God’s will prevailing against all odds. At the end of my undergraduate studies, I received the first ever “Overcomer’s Award” which was given to the student at ORU who excelled under seemingly unsurmountable challenges. In addition to the inherent difficulties of attending classes in a power chair, I had suffered from walking pneumonia the last semester of my undergraduate studies!
When naysayers try to discourage us, we must rejoice in knowing that our God will enable us to fulfill the calling He has given us. John 6:33 says, “I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world!” You, too, can be an overcomer as you trust Jesus to be your enablement in all you do. You will be able to rejoice in the trials as you trust in the One who has overcome them and will bring you through them successfully as well.
Father, help our joy to never wane even in the most difficult struggles or persecutions. Help us to remain secure in Your love and Your ability to see us through each trial.
Worship with Mandisa singing “Overcomer”: