Day 22: Jesus, Our Victory

Yesterday, as I was walking along, enjoying the day of sunshine, a bird decided to make me its toilet. The poop landed on my sweater and scarf. That could have easily been the start of a negative day, but I simply took out a napkin and wiped the waste from my sweater and scarf. When I got to a bathroom, I washed both items as best as I could with hot soap and water. Later, at home I washed both items in the machine. Of course, God used this experience to teach me a lesson.

First, God showed me what grace looks like in everyday life. Grace showed up in the fact that the poop didn’t land on my black girl hair. Anyone who has black girl hair knows that it would have been disastrous to have to wash my hair on the spot in some sink in a church bathroom. That moment could have been a whole lot worse, but God’s grace prevailed.

Second, God used the minor inconvenience of bird poop to remind me of how many times minor inconveniences were for my good. I recalled the many times things could have been worse for me. I thought of the times that being late because of traffic prevented something from happening. I thought of the times when a letter of rejection prevented me from pursuing the wrong pathway. I thought of the times when not being chosen for something prevented me from being taken being taken for granted. I thought of the times when God answered my prayers for something I thought was the right thing with a firm, “No!” Once again, God’s grace prevailed.

Third, God used the experience to remind me of the times when the minor inconvenience was not so minor, like the loss of something significant – a job, a home, a loved one. Yet, even in these times, God’s grace prevailed. 

In thinking of the multiple ways that God’s grace shows up in our lives, I thought of John 16:33, when Jesus said, “I have said this to you, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world!” 

While bird poop is not persecution, it does represent mess and the messiness that life can sometimes be. In this moment, I hear God saying that even though life may be messy, even hard sometimes, Jesus has got us covered. He has already overcome this world and therein lies our victory, even over loss, grief, and pain. No matter where we are on the continuum of life’s challenges, Jesus is our victory.

Today, as you reflect, think of the multiples ways that Jesus has got you covered; think of the multiple times, even when things are at their worst, Jesus is your Victory.