1-800-HEAVEN   Challenges & Tribulations

Christians are given a clear warning that “In the world you will have tribulations.” 

John 16:33

Then the second part of that scripture says, “But be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

People in the church often focus on the first part of the scripture because the mind reacts negatively to the idea of something difficult and uncertain, like a trial. Many struggle with this and don't realize that the second part of the scripture provides comfort. Jesus says he has overcome the world, so by standing in Him, you can be of good cheer because he has already given you victory through the cross. 

May I present Hebrews 11:1 in part: ‘Now faith IS...'. The scripture begins with the powerful truth that FAITH is. What is it? Read it in full and understand that standing in faith is a conscious decision. You can choose one of two things: either focus on the fact that trials and tribulations will be part of your Christian walk and let fear control you, or choose to understand that Jesus has already solved every situation you may encounter during your lifetime here on this earth. 

The struggle people face is fully understanding the single fact that was accomplished at the cross. Said, “WE DIED” and became a new creature in Christ. Yet, we live because He lives in us and we in Him. We have become His. He takes care of His own. Christians refuse to admit that they, when confronted by tribulation, seem to lose sight of who they are. Their first reaction is to try to protect themselves. They start thinking about their survival amid the stress of trials, instead of understanding that they belong to the King of kings and Lord of lords. He is the creator of all things; who can stand against Him? NO ONE! And if we are in Him, who can come against you?  Oh, ye of little faith, don’t you know that He has overcome the world?

As for challenges, I cannot tell you how many I have faced during my 55 years of serving the Lord. I have surely struggled to remain faithful and strong in Him, but sometimes the circumstances have been too powerful to overcome, and I have faltered. Yes, I said it, I faltered. I forgot who I was under stress. I gave in to my weak flesh and fell. I failed to understand or more clearly remember that my God was all-powerful and could guide me through the difficult times. But as the years have gone by, my understanding of who I am in Christ has grown stronger, enabling me to withstand the enemy's attacks.

Last month, I had my annual visit to my dermatologist. I was nearly finished with the exam when he noticed a bump on my lower left eyelid. He said it would be wise to take a sample and have it tested, and that in a few days, he would have an answer. A few days later, I faced another challenge, but this time it was cancer. The understanding was that he didn’t really know how invasive it was, and that surgery would determine how much needed to be removed. Fear instantly overwhelmed me. But I also understood that my God is greater than any cancer the enemy might throw at my body. That evening, I sat and reflected on what I had heard. After processing it and coming to terms with the situation, the results were as follows: “Lord, I understand you are all things to me, and that nothing can come between us. But I do have one question: Your word says that we are made in your image and likeness. It also says that we are to bring our body into submission to our soul, and our soul into submission to our spirit—that is the proper order of our makeup. I have come to understand that the Holy Spirit resides in our spirit, teaching us. That was very comforting because I gained a true understanding of who you are through Him. I have trained my soul, which is also my mind, to understand who you are and who I am in You. I have also worked hard to bring my body into submission, but since it is the weakest part of me at times, it refuses to obey my commands. It is a trial for me every hour of every day. This cancer is not from You, nor would You ever use it as a correction tool. Yet here it is in my body—against my will, something the enemy has given me that I do not want. I know I am in Your Word and not apart from it. I also recognize that there is a disconnect in my understanding of the natural breakdown of human flesh and something unnatural in the aging process—this cancer. All I ask is that you teach me to be the overcomer I desire to be. Teach me through this challenge. Thank you for the victory I will celebrate at the conclusion of this ordeal.”

 

In this writing, I want all Christians to understand that walking by faith means knowing who you are in Christ. There is nothing in our lives where the enemy can overpower us unless we allow it. God is Sovereign, and we must trust Him to guide us through life's tribulations. However, it is our duty to face challenges with the awareness that God’s grace is always enough to overcome every obstacle we encounter. When we understand who God is and what He has done for us at the cross, we become equipped to handle challenges. We can only reach this point of standing in faith by accepting the Holy Spirit as a welcome Teacher who reveals God's mysteries. Reading the word reveals what the Holy Spirit has taught you every moment of your life. Prayer enhances your understanding of the Father through conversation. Worship lays the foundation for your entrance into His presence with joy. 

 

I pray that your heart will be blessed by this message. You are already equipped to become what God has already prepared you to accomplish according to his specific purpose in Christ Jesus—blessings to all who read and understand.

PS

Today I am cancer-free, praise God.