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Because He Lives I Can Move

Reprinted from March, 2011

I’m currently in one of those places where I lay out all the options and try to make the best decision. It seems, however, like none of the choices are fair or attractive. I know God will help me in my situation; I’m praying for His guidance. I’m clinging to His Word which promises that ALL things work together for good for those that love God and are called according to His purpose, Romans 8:28.

I heard a great teaching this week about seeking God’s will.  Surrender to God’s will brings freedom!  He wants me to trust Him for the victory.


The speaker/teacher illustrated his point with a famous painting.







The painting depicts a look of despair on the chess player’s face. He’s playing Satan and his soul is at stake. It looks like Satan is winning. Checkmate!

When Paul Morphy saw this painting back in the 1800’s, he set up a chess board and aligned the chess pieces to match the painting. Being a world champion, he studied the board. He concluded that this painting should not have been titled “Checkmate.” Morphy found a last move setting the chess player free!

I reflect on my situation and praise God for Jesus. He defeated Satan when He died on the cross. He is going to show me the winning move and deliver me from checkmate. The game is not over as Satan wants me to think.



I published this post five years ago.   God delivered me in this situation.  I hoped for a different solution, but knowing what I know now, I can see God had a greater ending specifically designed for my life.  Indeed, all things work together for good for those who love Him!   

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  1. LindaMarch 27, 2016 at 12:56 PM

    Beautiful and inspiring, thank you so much for sharing. Happy Easter to you.

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  2. CherylMarch 27, 2016 at 1:19 PM

    Praise God for delivering you in your situation, Mary! I appreciate you re-posting this, as I hadn't seen it the first time. I hope you and your dear Tom have a wonderfully blessed Easter day! Love you, sweet friend.

    ReplyDelete
  3. MelanieMarch 27, 2016 at 2:06 PM

    So wonderful that while we see the present, God sees the future and guides accordingly. I'm glad that He met you in your time of need. Happy Easter.

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  4. bettyMarch 27, 2016 at 5:50 PM

    It is good to look back and see how God answers prayers and although different than what we might have wanted, always for his glory and for our good; no matter how hard it can be sometimes dealing with it.

    I hope you had a blessed Easter!

    betty

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  5. Mevely317March 27, 2016 at 6:24 PM

    What a great illustration! So often in my life I've tried forcing an outcome ... not understanding why God didn't 'get it' and couldn't see my way was best. (LOL) Surrender; yep, that's a toughie.

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  6. ButtercupMarch 27, 2016 at 7:39 PM

    Thoughtful post. Hope Easter was a very happy day.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Victor S E MoubarakMarch 27, 2016 at 11:10 PM

    What a wonderful reflection, Saleslady. Thank you.

    Wishing you and yours a blessed and peaceful Easter.

    God bless.

    ReplyDelete
  8. RCUBEsMarch 28, 2016 at 7:59 AM

    It's helpful when we jot down our journey and whether they are times of triumphs or losses, it's amazing to see the obvious...that God remains faithful. Love the analogy in that painting. In reality, there is only one King Who would never be defeated and the enemy of our souls knows that well!

    The struggle I had gone through at my workplace I knew would never make me a victim because of Him. We are all victors in all circumstances because of our Good Father! Old or new posts, your faith always increases mine dear sister. Be strong in the Lord's mighty power!!! Always. Love and prayers.

    ReplyDelete
  9. CeilMarch 28, 2016 at 9:40 AM

    Hi Mary! I hope you had a blessed Easter!
    I LOVE the fact that a chess master would have set up a board like this one in the painting. I would just think it was random, but of course, that's not the case. There's always one more way out with God isn't there?
    I'm so happy that you saw a solution from the Lord in your past problems. That is such a great joy, a real knowing that He is among us!
    Blessings,
    Ceil

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  10. SharonMarch 28, 2016 at 11:28 AM

    The game is certainly not over! Except that it is, and the winning move was executed by our Lord on Easter Sunday!! Died + Rose again = CHECKMATE!

    God's way of playing the game of LIFE doesn't always make sense to me. And I try very hard sometimes to play the game on my own. But, I am not the Lord (!!), and it's much better to leave the game in the hands of The Master!

    GOD BLESS!

    ReplyDelete
  11. UnknownMarch 28, 2016 at 2:35 PM

    Looking back, I'm amazed at the way I have prayed at various times in my life. I pray like I know what God has to do to fix my circumstances. Oh my goodness would I have been in so much trouble if He had answered my prayer the way I wanted. Thank you for sharing your story. You're a special blessing.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Marilyn @ MountainTopSpiceMarch 28, 2016 at 4:01 PM

    I too, never cease to be amazed at how the Lord works out the details of our lives, when we can't see the future, sometimes it is hard to trust, but trusting Him really is best! May the Lord bless your heart today as we all learn to more fully trust and believe Him!

    ReplyDelete
  13. a joyful noiseMarch 28, 2016 at 6:05 PM

    I am so glad you were delivered from that situation. It seems that when one thing goes, here comes another one. Through it all, Jesus is Lord and He is in control. Thank you for sharing with us here at Tell me a Story.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Nancy ChanMarch 29, 2016 at 12:53 AM

    Thank you, Mary for this beautiful post. I am now at a crossroad seeking direction from our Lord. And I know He will direct me and show me the right way to go. May God bless you abundantly!

    ReplyDelete
  15. shortybearMarch 29, 2016 at 1:50 AM

    beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Creations By CindyMarch 30, 2016 at 7:11 AM

    Wow...not only a thought provoking post but one of encouragement to me. To know that SATAN has lost and the Victory has already been WON is FREEING for the Christian. Happy Wednesday my friend. Hugs and blessings, Cindy

    ReplyDelete
  17. UnknownMarch 30, 2016 at 3:46 PM

    It's a wise heart that relies on God and is reminded by events in their own lives of His sovereignty.

    I'm praying for. May He delivers you and your's the desires of your hearts.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Lux G.March 31, 2016 at 12:10 AM

    Amen to this. Happy Easter to you and your fam.
    Thanks for reposting this. Worth reading.

    ReplyDelete
  19. LisaMarch 31, 2016 at 8:18 AM

    Don't you love that God can win with ANY hand? No situation is so bleak that He can not turn it around!

    ReplyDelete
  20. ElizabethApril 1, 2016 at 7:58 PM

    Wonderful story of how God works in our lives! He may not always do things how we want, but His purposes and reasoning are far greater!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Ifeoma SamuelApril 3, 2016 at 6:55 PM

    Thank God for His deliverance. How have you been Mary? Hope your Easter was splendid?
    God Bless

    ReplyDelete

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