In life we face many challenges on a daily basis that could sideline us — we either choose to rise above the challenges and figure a way to get through them, or we allow ourselves to be beaten. Some of these challenges are difficult to overcome, but with perseverance and faith (see also “surrender to God”), we can and do. I have been through many difficult situations, personally and have learned this solution: accept the world as it is and have faith that God’s will is being done (e.g. “surrender to God”) and do the next right thing. This philosophy has brought me through my own personal hell of addiction, depression and anxiety; to name just a few of my obstacles.

The Bible makes it clear that Jesus has overcome death and the grave: “When He had by Himself purged our sins, (He) sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high” (Hebrews 1:3). “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me you might have peace. In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). “Death is swallowed up in victory [from the same Greek root word as ‘overcome’]. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? . . . thanks be to God, Who gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (I Corinthians 15:54–57). “For whatsoever is born of God overcomes the world: and this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcomes the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?” (I John 5:4,5). “And every spirit that confesses not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: . . . You are of God, little children, and have overcome: because greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world” (I John 4:3,4).

To the overcomer Jesus says, “I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before His angels” (Revelation 3:5). “For the accuser of our brethren is cast down. . . And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they did not love their lives so much that they were afraid to die” (Revelation 12:10,11).

In our business we face many challenges as well. We either choose to rise above the challenge and figure out a way to finish the job (Adapt and Overcome), or we allow ourselves to be beaten. Sometimes, the solution is to ask for help – remember that “all of us are smarter than any one of us.” What happens when we lose focus of our Core Value of overcoming obstacles? Who do we turn to when we feel overwhelmed by circumstance?  (Go around the room)  Please remember that you are never alone — we have each other and we have our God. . .

We are J-Bar — we are blessed beyond measure. We love — we are thankful beyond measure. We serve, and in so doing become the leaders that God wants us to be.