When life is difficult, and you feel lost in your distress and discouragement, have you ever prayed, “Why God? Where are you in this challenging situation? When will you hear and answer my prayers?” If so, then you aren’t alone. Trust me, friend, I have been there, too. I have been the mom, sitting by my child’s hospital bed, crying out to God, wondering why, wondering when God will answer my pleas, and praying that I could take the place of my child. But I can promise you one thing. Even when you are frustrated, your faith feels fragile, and your prayers seem futile, you will survive the fire. Because through Jesus, we are overcomers.
How do I know? Because the Bible tells us this, “For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God” (1 John 5:4-5, NIV). I know because God’s Word is truth (John 17:17), and God is faithful to keep His promises (Psalm 145:13).
Why We Face Difficulties
Some people believe that a loving God would not create a world so full of evil. But the truth of the matter is that God created a beautiful, perfect world that was good (Genesis 1:31).
However, after humans committed the first sin in the Garden of Eden, evil, sin, and death entered the world. As a consequence, we now live in a fallen world. Paul explains it like this: “Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all have sinned” (Romans 5:12, NIV). And John adds,” We know that we are of God, and the whole world is under the sway of the evil one” (1 John 5:19).
Since the world is under the sway of the evil one, the world is imperfect and filled with suffering. So, sadly, believers will experience difficulties and hardship alongside everyone else.
Overcomers With Jesus
Friend, this means that following Jesus won’t necessarily shield us from the world’s troubles, trials, and tribulations. In fact, Jesus did not sugar-coat it. He said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33, NIV).
Jesus’ death and resurrection made Him an overcomer. And because Jesus conquered sin, death, and evil, as believers, we can look forward in hope. We, too, are overcomers. We will overcome this world and all its circumstances, chaos, and calamities.
John tells us, “For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God” 1 (John 5:4-5, NIV).
Dear one, this means that we can look forward to going to a perfect place–heaven. Then we will live with Jesus by our side in a place where there is no more pain or tears. “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Revelation 21:4 NIV).
Overcomers, Even In the Meantime
You may be wondering, “What about now?” Are we left to deal with all this suffering and evil on our own in the meantime? And the answer to this is, no, we are not.
Here are just a few reassurances God gives us in the meantime:
- God will be with us and protect us (Psalm 121:5).
- God will strengthen us (Isaiah 41:10).
- We can pray and ask the Lord to intercede on our behalf. When we do, God hears our prayers and act (1 John 5:14-15).
- When needed, God will comfort us (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).
- God will even restore our broken hearts (Psalm 147:3).
- God has also given us His Holy Spirit to teach, guide, and empower us. (John 14:26, John 16:13, Acts 1:8).
- Even when we are weak and don’t know what to pray, the Spirit will pray God’s will for us (Romans 8:26).
You Are An Overcomer
So friend, whenever you face trials, remember God is with you. Just because you encounter difficulty does not mean God has disappeared. It does not mean that God does not love you.
No matter what comes your way, God will be by your side, helping you stand and keeping you steady. As Isaiah says, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze” (Isaiah 43:2, NIV).
With God by your side, you are an overcomer!
Related to “Overcomers”
Listen to the song: “Overcomer” by Mandisa – Lyrics and song
