My 16-year-old son loves being seven inches taller than me. Of course, it wasn’t always this way. I remember Ryan’s tiny hands and toddler squeals just like it was last week. Now his voice is deeper.  I pray he will grow wiser in the days ahead.

My husband and I are taking deeper dives into unconditional love as our son discovers the ins and outs of God’s plan for his life. It’s been more outs lately.

I know we have victory in Jesus, but some moments victory feels out of reach. Ryan is our only child, so every phase of his development feels like sink or swim. I try not to panic when the sinking starts.

Thankfully, my faith knows God better than my feelings.

I know the battle is not mine, it’s the Lord’s. (2 Chronicles 20:14-15)

I know God being with us is greater than anything or anyone against us. (Romans 8:31-39)

I know weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. (Psalms 30:5)

But before the morning arrives, sometimes my faith needs a boost. Encouragement came the other day when I needed to reach a jar on my kitchen shelf. I was about to get a step stool when Ryan walked into the room. I asked him to put his height advantage to good use. He laughed as he effortlessly reached and retrieved what I couldn’t get on my own.

I laughed too until I sensed God was giving me something to remember when I feel victory is out of reach:

Victory is more than getting what I want. It’s about experiencing who God is.

Ryan came in the kitchen looking for a snack. Since he’s my son, I didn’t hesitate to ask for his help. Yet, God is always with me. He is my Heavenly Father and he’s looking for my faith.

God doesn’t just have a height advantage; He is the advantage in everything.

God is our shelter and our strength. When troubles seem near, God is nearer, and He’s ready to help. So why run and hide? - Psalm 46:1 Voice

Running and hiding can be attractive options when danger or disappointment looms. However, if the fleeing means avoiding an encounter with God, the fleeing is just falling into a place of defeat.

Is there an area of your life where you wonder if God’s plan is being revealed or accomplished? Do you desire something beyond your reach while it remains a vision in your heart? 

Victory comes as I yield to God’s Spirit instead of my understanding. 

It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. - Zechariah 4:6 NLT

God’s Spirit is our Helper. He tugs on our conscious when we’re thinking or acting contrary to His will. He comforts us in times of sorrow. He gives strength and reveals God’s truth. As we walk with Him, He fends off discouragement and deception.

Then I stand victorious and battle ready — whenever my feelings try to lead or the enemy of my soul tries to distract. Spiritual growth occurs as I become confident of who I am in Christ.

Victory is in the name of Jesus, regardless of the name of our situation.  

Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. - Philippians 2:9-11 NLT

What’s the name of the situation where you need Christ’s victory?  It doesn’t matter if a jar is out of my reach or if my son is out of my sight; God is always at work.

He is my Help and as I call on Him, He effortlessly reaches and retrieves a wonder beyond my grasp.

He’ll do it for you too. And as we abide in our Refuge, not only do we have victory, we have hope for the heart and joy to the soul.

My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me. Psalm 62:7 NLT