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09 March 2013

Guest Angie Arndt: Overcoming Without Being Overcome

Angela E. Arndt


Overcoming Without Being Overcome
By Angela E. Arndt

Philippians is one of my favorite books in the Bible. It is a compact book so full of deep wisdom and practical direction. One of my favorite verses in this little gem of a book is the last part of the 13 – 14th verses of chapter 3:

“… Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me …” (Philippians 3:13b – 14a, NIV)

Written by Paul around the first century, it still holds truth today. On those days that I can’t move without pain, when I can’t read, write or focus on anything but what must be the most insane sitcoms, I can look at that verse and take comfort.

Did you know that Paul had a chronic illness? His illness was so bad that in his second letter to the church at Corinth, he tells them that he prayed for healing three times, but God told him, “No,” each time.

It was then that Paul, instead of wallowing in self-pity, made a decision to embrace his weakness. In fact, verse 10 of chapter twelve says,

“That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:10, NIV)

By that he meant that he’d reached a point where he couldn’t do anything (you know you’ve been there), that’s when he let God take over. And God always works in mighty ways. That’s the prize that Paul wanted – the life that God created just for him.

And that’s where we’ve got to find our joy when life get’s to be too much. The prize that God planned for us is just over that hill of pain, discouragement, loneliness or grief. Isn’t that great? We’ve just got to keep climbing until we get to the top.

Bio: Angie enjoyed her career as a corporate trainer and curriculum writer at one of the largest insurance companies in the nation until health issues forced her to retire.  But God’s plan was still on track. She’s been writing and speaking ever since about how to find Joy on the Back Roads





23 comments:

  1. Welcome to OWG, Angie!! Thanks so much for being a guest on the blog! God is so good to us and His Word is such an encouragement!

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    1. Thank you for inviting me, Carrie! Yes, God is good all the time, even when we don't see it. What a blessing that His Word always reminds us! So glad to be here!

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  2. Angie thank you for sharing with us today on OWG. Your words of encouragement are just what I needed today!

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    1. Oh, Teresa, I'm so glad! You've very welcome. It turned out that I needed to re-read this myself today. God always knows what we need, doesn't He? :)

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  3. Hi, Angie. Thanks so much for being with us! Boy, did I need to read this today! I have currently been wallowing and not embracing. :) And I sure haven't been delighting in my weaknesses. The Bible says to confess your faults one to another so that's what I'm doing right now. Time to gather myself up by the bootstraps and keep on climbing! :) ~Blessings~

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    1. Hi, Diana! I'm so sorry you're having a rough time right now. I'll be praying for you -- that you will be able to delight in Him and carry on. Blessings, back! :)

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  4. Angie, this was so inspiring...thank you for touching my heart today, I truly needed it. Lately, I too have been wallowing and this is the kick in the pants that I needed. God bless!

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    1. Oh, thank you so much! I'm so glad that it spoke to you. Honestly, I needed the kick in the pants (again) today myself. Thank you all so much for the encouragement!

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  5. It sounds like many of us are under attack. I'll join the chorus of thanks for an inspiring message at just the right time. Blessings.

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    1. This was such a great post, JANET, and one I will come back to again. Thanks for coming by!!!

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    2. Blessing to you, too, Janet! I'm so glad it spoke to you. :)

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  6. I'm thankful for the strength of the Lord when we lean on Him!
    Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House
    lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net

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  7. I'd like to thank you for being with us on OWG also ANGIE.
    It was good to read your words and those of God's and I've tucked them away to meditate on. Not feeling strong today at all but I know God is working and I trust in His love! God bless.

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    1. Yes, he is, NOELA, don't forget that fact!

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    2. What a beautiful name, Noela! I'm so sorry you're feeling weak today. Praying for you too. And yes, God is working -- all the time. So glad you're trusting in His love. That's our only absolute, isn't it? Thanks so much for leaving a comment.

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  9. You are so right, Angie. I have been clinging to the Savior for years but hanging on for dear life this past year! If it wasn't for Him giving me the strength needed each and every day to crawl out of bed and live, I would be burrowed deep in the bed covers and never see the light of day :) Blessed be the Name of the Lord!

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    1. Oh, Anne! I'm so sorry you've had a rough year! That daily strength He gives us is such a blessing. And isn't it amazing that He deigns to reach down to little ol' me and you and give us that strength? We have a reason for being here. He has a purpose for us. And even though we may not be able to do what we want to do, we are able to do what He purposes for us.

      Amen and amen! :) Thanks for leaving that comment!

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    2. ANNE, we have all lifted you up in prayer throughout this hard year without your Amy and we will continue to do so. I love what ANGIE had to say to us and I'm glad it spoke to your heart, too.

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  10. I just wanted to say, "thank you," again for inviting me here this weekend. It's been wonderful to meet so many nice people and I'm so glad that God allowed my words to minister to your hearts.

    I'll be praying for each of you and keep holding on to the fact that He has you here for a purpose. God is good all the time.

    Hugs!

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    1. We were very glad to have you visit with us, Angie! Blessings!

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