The Thrill of Victory and the Agony of Defeat

 

And the LORD brought about

a great victory that day......

                 2 Samuel 23. 10

(God does not just show up

            in our hard places,

     impossible situations, and

     overwhelming circumstances.

He is already here,

              ready and waiting,

   for us to trust Him,

   turn to Him, pray with Him,

   serve, follow Him,

and worship Him even in this.

We have just to be faithful,

           listen and respond.

His victories are more powerful

             than we are aware.

And in what appears as defeat,

            even in that God redeems.

Whether the thrill of victory,

              or the agony of defeat,

    God enlarges His reach,

    and God multiplies His glory.)

O LORD,

Help us to realize that

   You don't need our successes

    for You to be glorified.

We can trust that You

        are already bringing

        Your victory to this

   in ways we cannot yet see.

Help us to be faithful

    in following You.

And to know that

   Your outcomes are never singular.