When Jesus told His disciples what life would be like after His ascension until the days of Jerusalem’s destruction, it didn’t sound very encouraging… “They shall lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and into prisons… you shall be betrayed both by family and friends; and some of you they shall cause to be put to death. And you shall be hated by all people for My name’s sake” (Luke 21:12-17).
But that wasn’t where Jesus left it. He said He would turn every bit of persecution into a testimony opportunity. He promised to give them the right words at the perfect time “which all your adversaries shall not be able to refute or resist.” And in the midst of betrayal, He promised, “Not a hair of your head shall perish.” In the midst of hatred, He would give them a love for souls to share the Gospel.
This is not the unique promise of Christ for a select few. This is the power of the Holy Spirit in all who are born again, for “Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world” (1 John 4:4).
But overcoming is a choice. We can’t stroke our egos as perpetual victims while experiencing “overcoming” power at the same time. Christ has offered us victory over temptations, injustice, weaknesses, fears, and sufferings – as we grasp His promises in love and obey His Word.
Faith is not a “feeling” of perpetual victory. If it were, we’d lose it as our feelings change. Faith is the “conviction” that God is true to His promises no matter what my circumstances are (Hebrews 11:1). And in that conviction, we can face the world as overcomers each day because…
God is faithful.
(Devotional by Lisa Cataford)
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