OVERCOMING

 
October 11, 2022                                              OVERCOMING
1 Peter 4:12 “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing as though something strange were happening to you;”
John 16:23 “These things have I spoken unto you, that in Me ye may have peace. In the world ye have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
James 1:12 “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love Him.”
I’m sure that all would agree with Jesus when He said that we will have tribulation in the world. As someone has said “We are either going into a storm, are in a storm, are we are coming out of a storm.” As believers, we know that we are to be overcomers, but we may find ourselves being overcome by our adverse circumstances. What does it look like to be overcomers and just how do we overcome the difficulties we encounter. I certainly do not have all the answers, but I think that we can glean some insight from God’s word. As a starter, it is helpful for us just to realize that trials will come our way-do not be surprised when they do. I think we do a great disservice to new believers by implying that ‘their life will be wonderful when they trust Jesus as their Savior.’ It is also helpful to know that trials have a purpose; trials test us and try us; trials reveal our faith, or the lack thereof. Instead of complaining about the trial or becoming depressed over our circumstances, let us trust that God is at work in the midst of the trial. We are called to endure and remain steadfast in trials-and enduring is not easy, but it is possible. Understandably, we look for the trials and difficulties to end; we want to be delivered from our difficulties. Some trials we face are short-time, while others may be long-term, or even for a life time. When Jesus spoke of overcoming the trials and difficulties of life on this earth, I do not think He was primarily talking about how to get out of the trials or how to put an end to the trial, but rather how to not be defeated or discouraged by the trials we face. For sure, many trials we face are painful; however, even in the most difficult times we can be aware of His presence, and His comfort, and know that in some way, He is using the trial for our good. So, let us not deny the fact that trials will come our way; when they do come, remain at peace and be steadfast in your faith in God; even though we may not understand why, we can trust our heavenly Father who loves us and who will never forsake us.
1 John 4:4, 5:4 “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”  “For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.
Romans 8:37 “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.”  
Blessings,
Buddy