These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world (John 16:33).
Having given your heart to Christ, if you suddenly found that you’re being buffeted by all kinds of temptations, persecutions, and trials, don’t cower or allow your faith to dissipate. In the face of such daunting challenges, and seemingly overwhelming oppositions, declare, “I’m more than a conqueror!”
Remember what the Word says: “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12). So when adversities come, don’t gripe; rather, maintain your composure because your victory is assured. The Lord Jesus made it clear that we would face tribulations, challenges and difficulties, and no one should be ignorant of that. Nevertheless, He assures us of victory all the way.
Isaiah 43:2 tells us, “When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.” Notice He didn’t say there’ll not be trouble, no; but that it’ll be of none effect.
Recall the testimony of the three Hebrew boys in Daniel chapter 3: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. They were thrown into the fiery furnace; yet they came out of the raging inferno unscathed. Before their glorious deliverance, there was condemnation, rejection, false accusation, and hatred. So the story wasn’t only about their miraculous deliverance from fire, but also about the storm they weathered hitherto.
There’re things you might have to go through in life, as you carry out the ministry that the Lord has given to you; endure such with hope, confident that victory is assured. The Apostle Paul, attesting to this, writes, “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed…” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9).
There’re adversaries on every side but in the midst of them all, the Word of God puts you over. Therefore, refuse to fear, for the Lord is with you.
