Overcoming Faith

Daily Reading:  1 John 5

For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. (1 John 5.4)

Devotional Thought: Do you need some good news today?  You have it in 1 John 5.4: By faith, you have overcome the world!  Having been born of God, I overcome the world on three levels, each with increasing promise:

• I am now a problem-solver and solution-finder.  The Bible says that we who are born of God have the mind of Christ.  And not only so, but we also have a Helper – the Holy Spirit!  So God – if we ask him (James 1.5) – will give us wisdom and ability to overcome problems.  But, we must ask in faith.  When we do that, like the children of Israel facing the Red Sea, we are able to see and believe our way through impossible situations, coming out on the other side with victory.

• Even the remaining problems and difficulties do not defeat me.  As a matter of fact, God turns them into blessings.  Honesty compels us to admit that the Christian’s life is not problem-free!  And, some “problems” remain with us even after careful deliberation, ardent prayer, and fastidious attention.  What problems remain with you?  Don’t let them perch on your shoulder!  Stay on top of them with a strong faith in God.

• Ultimate deliverance is mine.  Some situations come upon us and remain with us all the rest of our lives.  The death of a child, a life-altering stroke, a paralyzing accident, a debilitating disease.  In this world, as Jesus said, we will have troubles.  But he continues to say: “Take heart!  I have overcome the world!” (John 16.33).  We are able to overcome even the heaviest burdens and the darkest nights knowing that this world is not our final home.  We are bound for a place where there will be no more tears.

Amen!

Prayer: Jesus, you have overcome!  And in you, I, too, have overcome.  Help me - in the midst of problems and trials - to trust in you.  Nothing can separate me from your love!  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 130.1-4

1 Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD!

2 O Lord, hear my voice! Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my pleas for mercy!

3 If you, O LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand?

4 But with you there is forgiveness, that you may be feared.