Victory of Faith
“For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.”
1 John 5:4 ESV
Our faith in God.
Our faith in God’s word.
Our faith in God’s promises.
Our faith in God’s love.
Our faith in God’s power.
Our faith in God’s faithfulness.
It’s hard to see the “good” in “bad” things, outcomes, people, or even places. It’s more difficult (in my opinion) when the reason doesn’t “make sense” either at the time or ever. Most times, the answer given is “God’s will.” That answer isn’t always comforting (to me), because I don’t see the “victory” in some of life’s worst or lowest moments or seasons. But my thoughts are finite and my faith allows me to trust God even when I lack understanding.
The world, though it is all we know through this life, is temporary and cannot be compared to the eternal, which we know by faith in God and hope in His word. I am grateful for the hope that does not disappoint and for the grace that keeps on giving.
This is what I am learning.
Victory comes in knowing who God is. Knowing and trusting in God’s say so and believing God’s sovereignty in the sunshine and sadness—through trials and tribulations, God is still victorious. And our faith in Him allows us to overcome either now or once we reach the afterlife and are joined with God and Christ.
I try to remember what Hebrews says faith is and be encouraged by the the faithful who are in the “hall of fame.” Those, who I could not imagine the difficulty, who were asked to sacrifice some of the very things they prayed for (Abraham), those who lost everything, even health in their own body—yet refused to curse God (Job), those who would rather face death than disloyalty—announcing their allegiance to God—whether he saved them from death or not (meshach, shadrach, abednego). All these people were flesh and spirit, just like me, just like you. They suffered, they sacrificed, AND they were victorious. Because of God’s love and favor; because of God’s faithfulness and thoughts of an expected end for us.
I pray you continue to put your faith in God and His promises no matter the situation or circumstance. Be encouraged and be enthused, your God never loses.
