Overcoming In Jesus

We are told by the Lord Jesus Christ, our Savior, “In the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). This encourages us to trust the promise of hope, peace, and victory, despite the inevitable trials we face. We will face hardship and tribulation in this world, but believers are encouraged to be brave and go forward in our walk with Him.

Friends, because of who Jesus is and what He has done for us, we have some blessed promises we can claim.

• Those who wait upon Him will renew their strength (Isaiah 40:31).

• Nothing can separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:38–39).

• We can do all things through Him who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13).

• In the power of Jesus Christ, we are more than conquerors (Romans 8:37).

• We are comforted by His statement, “I will never leave you or forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5).

J.I. Packer said in his book, "Knowing God," “We should not, therefore, be taken aback when unexpected and upsetting and discouraging things happen to us now. What do they mean? Simply that God in His wisdom means to make something of us which we have not attained yet, and He is dealing with us accordingly. Christian Joy is the greatest when the cross is the heaviest.”

How do we handle these trials that come into our lives? Especially when we cannot see or understand God’s purpose in them. First, accept that they are from God and not an accident. Then set our hearts to react to them as service to Christ and the gospel as required of us. Second, do as the Apostle Paul and seek God in prayer specifically about them (2 Corinthians 12:8–9). You will see God, guaranteed to Paul, His grace to sustain him through it. With this knowledge, Paul embraces his trials because they create a space for the Lord’s strength to be evident in his life.

May our Lord help you this week in your times and situations of distress.