Seagull...‘Defeeted’ But Not Defeated

Most, if not all of us have experienced trials of some sort or another. Some pass quickly while others seem to go on and on. These can be wearying, exhausting, frustrating and for some it can appear to have no end in sight leaving them without hope to go on. It’s as if the ground beneath has slipped away leaving us, as the saying goes, ‘without a leg to stand on’ Feeling totally defeated. However, in 2 Corinthians 4: 8-12 the Apostle Paul writes encouragement about being hard pressed on every side but not crushed, perplexed but not in despair, persecuted but not abandoned, struck down but not destroyed. For someone who was stoned nearly to death, flogged and imprisoned for his faith, he had every right to lose hope, but his strength to see him through was firmly embedded in his faith in Jesus. One of the commentary notes in my Bible makes the comment “there is always hope at the end of the rope” That hope we have in Jesus that He will never forget about us and will carry us through our struggles if we put out trust in Him.

I’m often encouraged by some of the Hymns of old like ‘WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS ….Words like. who will all our trouble share… Have we trials and temptations….we need never be discouraged……Take it to the Lord in prayer…etc Other old Hymns like ‘VICTORY IN JESUS’ and an old Salvation Army Chorus …ASK THE SAVIOUR TO HELP YOU etc have some very Biblical and encouraging verses. Maybe not as popular to be sung these days but just as relevant and uplifting.

The following is an extract from a booklet from experiences in nature titled Inspirations’ by my wife Daphne that encouraged us, and pray that you too will be strengthened and encouraged.

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“After arriving at Orewa Beach for an early morning walk we were confined to the car for a time because of the wind, thunder, and heavy rain.

As we parked our car by the surf club, we were immediately surrounded by a flock of seagulls looking for food, and although it was blowing a strong gale, it wasn’t long before a single gull arrived and perched skillfully on the driver’s side wing mirror.

It was then that we noticed that it had NO feet. It was balanced superbly on the bulbous remains of its legs despite the stormy elements raging around it.

It looked pleadingly at us until we wound down the window and offered it some bread. It gratefully took the bread from our fingers and flew away. However, this same gull returned once more and again balanced beautifully and persistently waited patiently on the wing mirror for more food. Even though the storm was raging and the gale was blowing it overcame the circumstances around it and prospered by receiving more food.

I asked the Lord what this amazing sight we had witnessed meant.

The words that came to me were:….. defeated, overcomer and prosperity.

The bird was in the natural, defeeted and at times we can also feel DEFEATED.

This bird overcame its circumstances. It didn’t dwell on its disadvantages or disability or the storm around it...WE ARE MORE THAN OVERCOMERS, (CONQUERORS ).

Rom.8:28 & 37. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to his purpose….In all things, we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.

1Jn 4:4 You dear children are from God and have overcome them (ungodly spirits) because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world

1Jn 5:5 Who is it who overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.

Rev.2:7…. to him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God

WE MUST PERSEVERE This bird prospered by its persistence and perseverance. It had more than enough to eat.

James.1:2-4 “ Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish it’s work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything (prosper)”

WE ALSO WILL PROSPER IF WE DON’T GIVE UP and Trust in the Lord. .

Prov.28:25. He who trusts in the Lord will prosper.”

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In your trials and circumstances, look to the Lord and He will bring you through. Helping you overcome and conquer your struggles. Don’t give up HOPE. Don’t let the enemy make you feel defeated…..God is faithful.

Our song for you is Over and Over sung by Jeff and Sheri Easter

Another song of encouragement for you today. Is. “God will make a way where there seems to be no way sung by Don Moen” or maybe the old hymns previously mentioned. All are available to view on YouTube.

Enjoy and be Blessed

Malcolm & Daphne