For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. ~1 John 5:4
We were not built for failure. We will have troubles, trials, and tribulations in the world, but we can overcome them all through Jesus Christ. We can’t control everything that comes against us, but we can control our response. Jesus commanded us to be of GOOD CHEER.
- John 16:33 New King James Version – 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.”
No, Jesus is not crazy. He is God and He knows what He is talking about. There is no trouble in this world that can take us out because the LORD is in control.
- 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 New King James Version – We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed—
How can we be cheerful right in the midst of our trial? How can we not be troubled when there is trouble all around us? Our attitude is our choice. When we believe the Word of God, we will not be troubled. Jesus has already won the victory. The more we believe that the more peace we will have.
- John 14:1 New King James Version –“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.
When we lack peace, we lack faith. When we stop believing God and start believing our trouble, we will become depressed, discouraged and fearful. Focus on God, not the trouble. When we follow God’s instructions, we will get God results. Sometimes we are not experiencing God’s best because we are not obeying the LORD.
- Hebrews 12:6-7 Living Bible – For when he punishes you, it proves that he loves you. When he whips you, it proves you are really his child.” Let God train you, for he is doing what any loving father does for his children. Whoever heard of a son who was never corrected?
When we respond to God’s correction with an adjusted attitude, we will grow through the trouble. Look at the big picture. God allows troubling circumstances, people and problems to develop us into the character of Christ Jesus.
Consider Jonah. He didn’t want to preach to the people of Nineveh. Instead, he took a ship in the opposite direction. So God sent a storm and a big fish to teach Jonah a lesson. (Read the book of Jonah for the entire account). Jonah learned obedience through the trouble he encountered. After being thrown overboard and spending three days and three nights in the belly of a whale, he was ready to obey.
Let’s consider our ways. In what ways have we been disobedient? Let’s ask the Holy Spirit to reveal those areas and repent. God rewards obedience and faith.
- Hebrews 11:6 New King James Version – But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
We owe God worship, praise, obedience and all our resources, even our life. Anything less is disobedience.
- Mark 12:30-31 New King James Version – And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”