Parsonally Speaking

By the Rev. Tom Burgess of Hope Christian Fellowship in Canastota

Overcoming (Part 2)

The source of our faith is in Jesus Christ and what he has done for us. As the author and finisher of our faith, he will always be on our side (Hebrews 12:2). Often in the midst of life’s hardships, the accuser of the brethren comes and tries to convince us that we are unworthy of God’s help in our lives (Revelation 12:10-11). This is a lie of the enemy to prevent us from receiving the help we really need. We must believe that if God is for us, who can be against us. There were many Bible characters which, for one reason or another, became weary and despondent over their situations in life; but in the end, they overcame because they knew the source of their faith. Moses pleaded for God to kill him on one occasion, when the people of Israel began to complain about eating manna all the time; his preservation was in taking his burden to the Lord as the source of his faith (Numbers 11:11-15).

Joshua was so despondent and depressed at one point that he was ready to quit and give up, wishing he was back in the wilderness where there weren’t so many enemies. But he took his burden to the source of his faith, who told him what to do and how to overcome (Joshua 7:7). We not only have the shield of faith to protect us from Satan’s fiery darts, but we also have the belt of truth and the sword of the Spirit to apply to our spiritual arsenal (Ephesians 6:13-17).

Everyone is susceptible to the various situations that try our faith. None of us is exempt. But we can extend the misery of the situation in our lives when we don’t apply the word of God. On the other hand, when Scripture is applied, it will not only revive our spirits but begin to make the crooked paths straight once again (Psalm 119:24-25). We must take the word of God and apply it to the situation that is bringing distress in our lives.

Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17). Job understood the importance of being revived according to the word. He probably experienced as much hardship and disappointment as anyone, and his testimony was that he esteemed God’s word more valuable than food itself (Job 23:11-12). We, like Job, must find God’s purpose in our trials and tribulations, believing that all things work together for good to those who love him (Romans 8:28).

Circumstances and situations in our lives represent opportunities for God’s purpose to come forth and to build godly character in us to a greater degree. When we approach these situations with a kingdom mentality and a faithful heart, the power of God is released to bring forth joy in the midst of the difficulty. The joy of the Lord is our strength, which counteracts Satan’s tactic of wearing us down (Nehemiah 8:10). Tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope (Romans 5:3-4).

If we allow God to work his purpose in our lives by going to him and his word during times of difficulty, we will find ourselves in a place of contentment and be able to overcome Satan’s attempts to wear us down. This is what God has destined for us to be and to do. Where is your faith in relationship to all of life’s difficulties? Do not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart (Galatians 6:9).

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Parsonally Speaking

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