We Can All Win

If we talk about Jesus more, 

We just might be able to talk about self and others less.

What if the words “I/me” and ”they/them” became obsolete?

Usually they are both rooted in pride/false humility, stem from wounds,

And possibly a root of bitterness. 

Unless they are words aligned with scripture that edify.

We are called to build up rather than tear down.

We are called to bless those who persecute us and say all kinds of false things against us.

We are to let another praise us rather than praising ourselves. 

But often, because of past hurts, we exalt ourselves. 

Sadly, self exaltation just might push someone else down.

For what? To feel better about me/I?

We boast and brag… today I was reminded of a man who would much rather boast in his weaknesses for when he is weak he is made strong. For His power is made perfect in our weakness. 

We exert dominance over each other either by quiet intimidation or with our words. 

We cast shadows of doubt over others. 

We spew all kinds of words, some loud some soft. Often our words leave room for suspicion or are rooted in casting suspicion. 

What if we didn’t feel the need to prove ourselves? That’s really the point. We all want someone to see us, hear us, validate us because of those times and places in our lives where we never received it. That’s brokenness. It’s trying to get our needs met in all the wrong ways. Even demanding what we truly need but it’s unhealthy at its core. 

Listen, I’m just as guilty as the next person. Healing is a journey. We’re all somewhere on the same road. We all have value and worth. I don’t want wounded areas of my heart to keep me from seeing your value. We aren’t each other’s competitors. We have one race to run and we can all win! It’s the only race that everyone can win. If we run well. Let’s not cut each other off, or cause one another to stumble along the way. Let’s run well.

If this speaks to you at all, will you pray this prayer with me?

Father,

I thank you for the love you have for me and for your body.

Today, I choose to humble myself before you and repent for every time I have spoken too highly of myself. I repent for bragging and exalting myself over others. I repent for every time I have tried to prove myself, walked in competing with my brothers and sisters and causing them to stumble along the way. I repent for using my words or actions to cast suspicion, doubt or dominance over others. 

Father, I ask you to forgive me.

I receive your forgiveness.

Help me to run my race well. Make us one as you are One. Help me to boast in my weaknesses so that your power can rest upon me and make me strong. Thank you for the way you see me, know me, and value me as much more than rubies. Thank you that you see me through the finished work of your Son. Thank you that I am being transformed more and more into His image and likeness as I yield to you. Help me to help others win. I lay ‘me’ down and choose today to think of others more highly than I think of myself. 

Jesus, help me to boast in you. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you. Let your praise continually be on my lips.

Holy Spirit, make me aware of every time I attempt to revert to old patterns and bring your conviction to my heart. I thank you for your conviction. It is such a precious gift as you help me to stay on the path of life. I choose your ways for they are far above my own.

I seal this now in the precious blood of Jesus.

Amen

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Deidre Gaines resides in West Virginia with her husband and best friend, Richard. She has three grown children and one granddaughter.  Deidre is a Licensed Minister, Prophetic intercessor, blogger (Shamar), speaker and encourager with a heart to see the nature of Jesus put on display for the world to see.  She is passionate to see His love, unity, presence, power and authority transform hearts, cities, regions and the nations through bringing glory and honor to His name. Deidre desires to see the church walk in the fullness of His Kingdom come, His will be done, on earth as it is in heaven, Matthew 6:10. She enjoys spending time with her family, sports, crocheting and being outdoors. Especially taking rides in the side by side with her husband Richard.