“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:26-27, 33-34)
It’s normal in life to be challenged, but it’s unscriptural to be defeated. “If you say, The Lord is my refuge, and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent” (Psalm 91:9-10).
It would be naive to suggest that no one has ever felt concerned if they find themselves in a midst of a challenge. Our human brains will often jump to the worst-case scenario; this is too difficult, and I don’t know what I’m going to do.
Every Christian professes to have faith. But when that faith is put to the test, how do we respond? “In this, you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 7:6-7).
Rejoice during a trial? That’s easier said than done. What I’m going through is unjust and unfair. I did the right thing, and I feel like I’m being punished for it. Consider yourself in good company. “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. (1 Peter 4:12-14).
But I don’t know if I’m going to make it. What if things don’t work out? I can guarantee you this: that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). Do you love God? Do you serve Him with your whole heart? Do you walk in obedience? Then there’s no chance it won’t work out. There’s no way you’ll end up at a loss. No one can follow Jesus and go backwards.
“But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen” (2 Timothy 4:17-18).
“But in that coming day no weapon turned against you will succeed. You will silence every voice raised up to accuse you. These benefits are enjoyed by the servants of the Lord; their vindication will come from me. I, the Lord, have spoken! (Isaiah 54:17).
God will come through for you. He is always faithful to His children, for a thousand generations. Through faith in Christ Jesus, you have inherited the same promises of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Will you end up in lack? Not a chance. Will God abandon you to fight on your own? No way. It’s impossible for God to fail you. His hand is not too short, and His ear is not deaf to your prayers. So call on Him!
Say this out loud: I am the head and not the tail. I am above and not beneath. I will lend to many but I will not borrow.
Those who seek the Lord will never lack, they’ll never go hungry, and they’ll never be left in the dark. Thanks be to God who always leads us on in triumph (2 Corinthians 2:14). The devil will try to take us down, but he’s not allowed to take us out. He is under our feet. Carry yourself that way.
Trust God. He’s a strong tower. He’s a mighty fortress. Don’t think for one second that He isn’t going to help you. He will provide. The spirit will strengthen us. Through Christ, we have the victory. And we’ll have the victory, even in the most challenging of circumstances. We are overcomers!
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world (John 16:33).
