In a great burst of faith and passion, the apostle Paul challenged, “Who shall separate us from the love of [Messiah]? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? …No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us” [Romans 8:35 & 37, italics added]. How often do you feel ‘more than a conqueror’ when faced with problems or difficulties? What’s your initial response to trouble and hardship? What about James’s advice: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds” [James 1:2, italics added]. Were these men for real? Do such scriptures make you feel inadequate, discouraged, pathetic, or whatever is your own particular form of misery?
The Bible is full of stories about people who overcame great odds to claim great victories. “…the people who do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits,” cried the prophet [Daniel 11:32]. When Yahshua was in Gethsemane, He was overwhelmed with sorrow, agonising about His pending crucifixion until He was sweating drops of blood [Luke 22:44]. My heart twists in compassion as I hear Him cry, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me.” I wonder how much time elapsed before He was able to breathe, “Nevertheless…your will be done” [Matthew 26:39]. As I pondered this submission, the Holy Spirit showed me the reason He was able to submit in Gethsemane, was because He had made a practice of submission throughout His life. He won through to that final, astounding victory, step by step. Initial denials of self, faithfulness in little things, small acts of will, all prepared Him for that ultimate, heart wrenching struggle.
Biblical heroes became who they were through small steps, hidden victories. “No one sees these little, hidden steps, they only see the accomplishment,” writes Amy Carmichael. Spiritual maturity isn’t the work of a moment; there’s no instant access to triumph. Take courage! Conquerors emerge through a lifetime of taking the next step, even when it’s only a baby step. We can face trials with ‘pure joy’, knowing each victory builds into a lifetime of conquest.
Image by Arek Socha from Pixabay
https://pixabay.com/photos/boy-son-toddler-child-young-kid-1272637/
You Are The BranchesClick to see the whole passage:
1 timothy 3:16 NIV - Beyond all question, the mystery from - Bible Gateway
Lives have been changed. People from all walks of life have been born again through the gospel. Our message does work.
Roger Thomas
The Congregation Of Yahweh
Head Office (UK)
27A Carlton Road
Nottingham
Nottinghamshire
United Kingdom
NG3 2DG
T: 0115 837 8083
E:
W: www.congyah.co.uk
Registered Charity No. 245132
© Copyright 2024 The Congregation Of Yahweh
