What's Your Cinco de Mayo? by: Cheryl Laurenza

Photo by Jenna Martens

Numbers 13, Joshua 1

Today I was reading about the history behind Cinco de Mayo. It was back in the early days of the American Civil war, 1862 I believe, where we see Mexico, against all odds, at the Battle of Puebla, win over the French. I encourage you to read about it.

There are so many parallels we can look at here. Have you ever felt like all the odds were against you? Like there was no way you could prevail against the enemy? Have you looked over your Canaan or at the obstacles and thought " there are giants in the land, we are like grasshoppers in their sight." This causes us to look inward at our own resources and conclude that we do not have what it takes. But God... Look at the story in Numbers of the 9 spies. What made Joshua and Caleb different? They had seen what the others had seen, lived under the leadership of Moses, had all the same resources as the others. I don't believe they were in denial, they saw clearly what the obstacles were. I think they also saw clearly that God was with them and that He had spoken and promised, and they chose to believe despite what they saw. That's faith, your knees may be knocking, but your heart is steadfast and you move forward. So many accounts in scripture of underdogs overcoming.

So what's threatening to defeat you today because you believe you can't prevail? Look at the brave men at the Battle of Puebla, at Joshua and Caleb, or others you may know. You are not somehow less than they are, you have what it takes. Suit up and show up, leave the rest to Him. I stand with you in my own battles confident in the One who leads us into victory, though the battle may be fierce.

In the words of Mandisa, "You're an Overcomer"

Blessings

Cheryl Laurenza, LCMHC, LPC, NCC