CHALLENGES HAPPEN, BUT YOU ARE DIFFERENT

06/24/2024

"...we saw the Nephilim (the sons of Anak are part of the Nephilim); and we were like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight” (Numbers 13:33).

Someone once asked, “Pastor, why do bad things happen to good people?” Bad things are not designed to happen to good people specifically; they happen to everyone. Jesus puts it this way in John 16:33: “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” In other words, as long as you live on this earth, tribulation, trials, distress, and frustration will be commonplace. But if you are born again, Jesus says, "Be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]." Hallelujah!

It matters how you see yourself, knowing that you will face the same challenges as others. How you view yourself determines whether you live as a victor or a victim amidst these challenges. There is absolutely no reason why a believer should suffer defeat in any form from God's perspective. However, many believers experience hardship because they align with perspectives other than the Lord's.

Think for a moment. James 1:2 says, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds." This means that every time you face a difficulty, which for many is every day, you ought to celebrate. Instead of complaining about something that didn't go as expected, celebrate.

Maybe your boss demanded your resignation or fired you without cause—rejoice. Maybe there are family members causing unnecessary drama—be festive. Saints, God requires you to respond to life's issues in ways that may not make sense. Instead of mourning a recently departed saint, give thanks. Instead of crying over the loss of a relationship, get excited about God.

Let 1 Corinthians 15:58 be your mantra for the day: "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord." Let nothing sway you from the Word. Yes, the pain is real, but so is your victory. Yes, the neglect is devastating, but the love, joy, and His presence are overwhelming.

Again, bad things do happen, but God has elevated you in such a way that these things have lost their power to impact your destiny negatively. So don’t allow anything to impact you mentally such that you see yourself as less than how God sees you. Understand that you are royalty, and there is absolutely nothing that can successfully stand against you.

Child of God, the enemy will try to intimidate you with false evidence so that you make the wrong confession. Hear me: do not buckle under the pressure today. Guard your emotions and your tongue, and only say what God says.

Have an excellent day!

Faith-Filled Confession:

I refuse to be intimidated by the lies of the enemy. I am a victor, not a victim. Therefore, in the name of Jesus, the noise of the enemy is silenced because I live far above the systems of deception, fear, and lack. Hallelujah!

One-Year Bible Reading Plan: Job 1-3; Acts 7:1-19