I have lived long enough to know that in life you will have problems. Jesus tells us this in John 16:33:
These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
I prefer to call them challenges or opportunities because each one contains a silver lining … something for us to learn about
how strong we are by faith in Christ Jesus. We also get to experience the powerful love of the Father as He downloads the wisdom, connections and provision to tackle the problem. We truly cannot lose with the faith we use when we keep our minds stayed on Him (Is. 26:33).
The best example of an overcomer in the Bible to me is Jesus. Sometimes I sit and think about how hard it must have been for Him Who had never sinned to patiently endure being mistreated and ultimately to die a horrific death on the cross to forgive our sins. He did it all so that we could be restored to the family of God and rule and reign as kings.Oh how Elohim loves us! Do you ever just sit down and think about His love?When I focus on God’s love for me, I instantly draw strength from Holy Spirit to patiently endure my struggles. My focus switches to the victory Jesus has already obtained for me. I like what Paul tells us in 2 Cor. 4:17-18 says about what we should focus on:
For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
The Bible calls the problems in this world “light afflictions” that work to our advantage when we focus on eternal things. What is meant by eternal things? Everything that is in heaven … love, faith, peace, wholeness, wellness, abundance, joy unspeakable, provision, wisdom … everything you need. This is the glory of God.
And heaven is inside of your heart at your disposal to release based on your understanding that it is the Father’s good pleasure to give you His kingdom to be an overcomer that advances His kingdom.
So fix your focus on being the solution God created you to be by decreeing the Word of God that applies to your unique challenge. Then take specific, consistent, strategic action to solve the problem and to achieve your goals.
We glorify our Father in heaven by persevering to complete our purpose. We must understand He loves us and will never leave or forsake us. He’s given each of us all the glory we’ll ever need to ALWAYS BE TRIUMPHANT!
If the snail could focus and inch by inch slide along the ground to make its way into Noah’s ark, patiently enduring all the obstacles along it’s path, how much more should we as children of a loving, caring, sharing heavenly God?
Your focus will make all the difference. What are you focusing on? Keep looking unto Jesus. Keep your eye on the prize! See Jesus at the finishing line cheering you on!
Pastor Karen, this is your uncle Bern. What a beautiful lesson. I was blessed and encouraged by it. I thought about Jesus; Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered heb4:8. How much more should we? We should count it an honor and an awesome privilege to be called to perseverance. After all it is for the sake of his name in our lives. As you stated so eloquently, “the blessing really is in the pressing”.
To you and Tony….Keep teaching and reaching!
Somebody cares because somebody cares.
Hi Uncle Bern! So good to hear from you.
You are the best! Thank you for your
mentoring and support. Hugs!
Thank you I need that reminder to stay focused on Jesus.
You’re welcome Yvonne!
l love the encouragement you share for our end of the year push! It reminds me of Matthew 24:13:”…But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” Thank you!
Thank you Yvette. For the believer that knows his or her identity, endurance is in our spiritual DNA.