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    by Andy Castro

Year of theVictor
Date Posted: October 9, 2022

Disappointment and failure is all I felt as I thought back about 2014.

I kept trying to find some tangible evidence that I had a victorious year.

Did I set my goals to high? Did I ask for too much? Did I miss God on this one?

You see, I honestly felt 2014 would be my year so I declared it boldly on my Face Book header. It read; "2014Year of the Victor". I had a great picture to go with it that showed the intensity of my belief. This was the year my business would be started. This is the year I would be well on my way to financial independence. This is the year my book would be written and so many things would be grand and glorious. And I believed to the bloody end.

But nothing good happened...so I thought.

Actually something grand and glorious did happen but I couldn't see it until He revealed to me. It was a major shift that had to happen before I could move on and do what I've been called to do.

Isaiah 54:16-17 (Message) I create the blacksmith who fires up his forge and makes a weapon designed to kill. I also create the destroyer-but no weapon that can hurt you has ever been forged. Any accuser who takes you to court will be dismissed as a liar.

It wasn't visible but internal and sure. The enemy of my soul worked overtime this last year to have me believe his lying accusations in several areas of my life. Mainly my God given confidence that I could complete the call on my life. He directly attacked me with a strong hand and a sword. Relentless to keep a foothold of insecurity on my neck. He fed me poisoned words designed to slowly and painfully kill any believing thought I had left in me. He called in his troops to keep me from gaining ground. Persecution and oppression flanking me into slumber at every turn. The fiery darts of shortcomings and failures barraged my shield of faith making it too heavy to carry. Woe is me! Woe is me screamed from within with anger and fear as my shield splintered from the pounding insults and offenses. As my weakened knees bent like the bow of an archer and my resistance failing I gradually fell to the bloodied ground. With death by my side holding on to my shield, soaked in blood mud, I instinctively reached for my sword.

And that was the evidence I was looking for; "I instinctively reached for my sword." In years past I would passively accept words from friends and foe spoken to shame me or to unveil my weaknesses and even to unearth my buried past. It is the deviously subtle plan of the enemy to keep us in line with failure and unfulfilled callings. The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. Attacking me with words through others and through my own thoughts, designed to keep me from believing I have what it takes to complete the call on my life. But through this last year I started to give less time and truth through all the lies and negativity. I realize that I learned to boldly respond quickly and firmly in my heart and mind using the words spoken to me and about me in the bible. This was the victory for me in 2014. I would normally fall into a depressive passive state of mind giving up all hope that I would ever fulfill my call. I would be in this state for two to five days and would have to struggle to get back into believing state of mind. I was walking in circles in the desert of despair and insecurity until this last year. But now, by the grace of God, my vision is clear and my purpose is set so I can move forward in this life with full confidence that I can do all things through Him who infuses me with inner strength. 2014 was the year of the victor for me.

What about you?

Are you where you want to be?

Are you letting the enemy or people speak shame or speak down to you?

Do you know enough of what God says about you?

Are you relentless in casting down any thought that is opposite of God’s word?

Start today to take an inventory of your thoughts and thought patterns. Ask the Spirit to show you what needs to change and ask for the help to change. Start taking action against any thoughts or words by speaking the truth of God's word. It will take hard work and time for change but it is well worth it. You need it and the world needs you to do what you were called to do. Don't let up and don't give in to the enemies’ treacherous lies.

Stand up and be bold!

You have what it takes for you are mighty through God.

Andy

Andy@findthecall.com

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Biography Information:
Since recommitting his life to Christ in 2000, God has changed Andy in such a way, he hardly recognizes himself. Andy is a story of God's grace and mercy.

He now writes and speaks as a voice of inspiration to encourage people to 'find the call' for their life and to fulfill their God given purpose. He writes to help you in your pursuit.
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