To Overcome
Sometimes there are events and stories in the bible that make you ask the question, “Why did God allow that to happen?” That question comes from a base understanding that God is in complete control and nothing happens without His knowledge or permission. Knowing the fundamental truth then brings you to the next question of why? It’s okay to ask God why. In fact we can ask Him anything. It’s then His decision whether or not to answer.
I was reading a devotional, Come With Me by Suzanne Eller, that talked about Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve apostles. It said;
“Judas has laughed with Jesus. He’s sat with him and listened to His teaching. He’s witnessed every miracle Jesus has ever performed. Though he wrestles with his coarser nature, as we all do, Jesus sees good in this disciple. ”
“The enemy appeals to Judas, planting thoughts of discontent. He knows greed is Judas’s battleground. This temptation is a pivotal moment, much like what Jesus encountered in the wilderness. Will Judas fight back with truth, or will he succumb?”
As I read this I asked, “Why did Jesus allow Judas to be in charge of the money knowing his weakness was greed?” The answer, so he could overcome. To overcome means to prevail over, to conquer, to defeat. God is a Good God, desiring that none should perish. His plans are good and He gives us many opportunities to choose Him. He always provides a way out.
The enemy knows what tempts us and distracts us from God. So he is always going to jump on the opportunities to lead us away from God. The devotional goes on to say, “though temptation may seem overwhelming, it is never greater that the power of God.” “We are wise to remember that we have been given all we need to overcome.”
Lately I have been dealing with unforgiveness. Just when I think that I have made progress in this area a new opportunity to show forgiveness arises and I find myself justifying my hesitance, anger and lack of love for this individual.
This devotional made me think of how drastic the outcomes can be when we choose not to fight back and overcome the temptations. It may feel that it’s just one test after another. But I finally realized that the reason there is another test isn’t because God doesn’t care, but just the opposite. He deeply loves me and wants me to overcome this temptation in my life and He will provide as many opportunities as it takes to help me succeed.
He gave me help in this area, by reading about another disciple, Peter who was very frustrated and wanted to know how many times he must forgive a brother or sister. Jesus told him the parable of the unmerciful servant that had been forgiven much and refused to forgive little. (Matthew 18:21-40) It didn’t end well for him either and I don’t want that to be the end of my story.
So instead of looking at moments that need forgiveness as unfair or with hurt and anger, I can look at them as moments that God is giving me to see Him working in my life. Moments where I can fight back at the real enemy with God’s word and moments where I know that I will overcome because He has brought me to this moment and He will bring me through it. Because He is God!
My prayer
Father, Your word says to forgive and you will be forgiven. I know that You have forgiven much in my life and I pray You will help me to forgive each and every time it is required of me, holding nothing back. I know You created me to be an overcomer and You have provided everything I need to accomplish this. I choose to fight back with Your word and I choose to live knowing that Your love for me is what allows opportunities to practice and offer forgiveness to others. You want me to become more like You and to do that I need to learn, obey and I will overcome. Thank you Lord, in Jesus’ name, amen.
Where does my help come from?
1 Peter 5:8-11
“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.”
Luke 10:19
“I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.”
John 16:33
“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.”