Circumstances
Romans 8:37 “In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.”
It is challenging for us to live victoriously as an “overcomer” when we are experiencing the pain and brokenness of the tribulations in life. In this fallen world we all face varying degrees of trials. Some Christians believe that if we are walking with the Lord, all will go well within our relationships, vocations, and health. God’s Word and story tell us differently. The gospel is a love story of pain, sacrifice, and tribulation — even unto death. This reality is noted throughout the New Testament and is highlighted by the Biblical analogy “of us all having our own cross to carry.”
Overcoming begins with an Eternal Perspective. We know that this life is temporary and the life to come is eternal. If we truly understand and receive this truth, we can have victory over any situation because we know the final outcome. Because of what Jesus did for us on the cross, we are on the winning team no matter what the scoreboard of life says. Our circumstances will never tell us how much God loves us.
Circumstances don’t make or break us, they reveal us.
Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”
God allows the pain and trials of life to test and refine us into the image of Christ. God uses our trials to accomplish His will. Difficult experiences are given to us for our good, for the benefit of others, and for God’s glory. When we’re going through hard times, it’s comforting to know that nothing can touch a believer’s life unless the Lord allows it. He has complete control even in our most difficult and painful circumstances. Through it all, we’re being held firmly in our Father’s loving hand, and His good purpose is being worked out in our life.
We rejoice in our circumstances.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
When we are going through a difficult season, we are called to rejoice. We may not be happy with our circumstances, but with an eternal perspective, we always rejoice in our standing before God. We are certainly free to work to change our situation, but we must also be aware that our present situation may be intended to change us. We will reap the spiritual benefits of the Lord’s work in us.
Keep your gaze on God, and only glance at your circumstances.
Our eyes will tell the story. Living only by sight will get us in trouble. The more that our eyes are fixed on ourselves, the more that we will fight discouragement having only our own strength and wits to rely upon. Discouragement will fall away when our gaze is fixed on the Lord and His promises to us. Living by faith means that we don’t have to face any situation alone. It also means that we have the divine power and strength of God on our side as we fight our battles. Gazing upon the unseen God requires faith – the very faith that saves us.