“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” ~John 16:33 (NIV)
Troubles, trials, and temptations that we encounter are all attempts to get us to give up on our hopes and dreams that the Lord has put in our hearts. It’s important for us to know and believe that God has placed desires in our hearts for a purpose. He has created us for a destiny that nobody else can fulfill. Your desires for good things are God given and if you do not believe that you will never pursue them. A half-hearted approach to anything limits us in everything, but a determined heart is a powerful heart. If we don’t want the devil to steal our dreams, we have to be determined to see them through. Have you taken time to dream? Have you spent time with the Lord to allow Him to reveal to you what your tomorrow could look like and all the wonderful things He has planned for your life? If so, you have to know there will be a season of resistance and you have to know going in that giving up is not an option. You have an enemy that is going to come against everything you think you believe so you have to trust without a doubt in the love and loving kindness of your God. The Lord tells us in Revelation 12:11 “they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony.” (NKJV) To overcome is to defeat or render powerless. The enemy has already been rendered defeated and powerless over a child of God who has chosen to believe and confess the Word of God by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Many people would read that last sentence and get a picture of a bold, sword wielding warrior prepared for battle, but let me give you an example of what that person really looks like: It’s a broken person on their knees crying out to God and humbling themselves before Him as they remind Him and themselves of His great promises and covenant of love. That person maintains a thankful heart for everything from the wonderful to the seemingly awful knowing God has a plan to turn everything for their good. They know how to forgive and pray for those who have offended or hurt them, and they don’t allow bitterness or envy or even anxiety to have a place in their heart because they have the mind of Christ, and He is able to remind them that the work is finished, and their victory is secure through Him. If we want to carry the power of Jesus, we need to look more like Him on the battlefield and our position for battle for the most part is on our knees presenting our petitions in humble submission with a thankful heart. We miss the mark when we see our enemy as another person. Ephesians 6:12 tells us “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (NIV) Make a determination to endure to the end and overcome. We might struggle but we know our victory is sure. The enemy cannot have your dreams and he cannot steal your blessings. He was and continues to be defeated by the power Jesus gave to you. Build your faith by going from victory to victory trusting in God every step of the way!
For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. ~1 John 5:4 (NIV)
What would the best possible outcome be for every situation in your life? Take time to get a vision of that!
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