God's Word contains many passages which encourage us in our struggles. Paul tells us to "press on toward the goal" Philippians 3:14, "run a good race" Galatians 5:7, and "fight the good fight" 2 Timothy 4:7. Each of these acknowledge the struggle and exhort us to keep moving forward. But there are times we become weary and even the thought of pressing, running, or fighting becomes difficult. Yet, we know we must endure - we must overcome!
"He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God."Revelation 2:7
In the second and third chapters of Revelation, John is dictating the words spoken by Jesus. In these two chapters, Jesus speaks seven times about "him who overcomes." Each time there is a gift or reward for the one who is "successful" and overcomes. This is certainly good motivation for us to endure, but the question still remains: How can we overcome as our strength begins to fade?
John knew what it took to overcome. Several years earlier, he had written a letter to encourage believers to stay committed and to give the assurance of eternal life. He also specified exactly who would overcome: "Everyone born of God overcomes the world... Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God" 1 John 5:4-5. Read this carefully and rejoice! Those who believe are those who will overcome!!
We must endure and overcome the world, but our faith in Jesus and NOT our strength is what allows us to endure. There are times we must run and times we must fight, times we will be called to be a mighty warrior for the Lord. But there are also times when we are terribly weak, times of great tribulation, times we must grab on to Jesus and allow HIS strength to carry us through the storm. These are times we will need to simply hold on!
When the battle seems unbearable, "Hold on to what you have - I {Jesus} am coming soon" Revelation 3:11. When we feel surrounded by evil and the darkness is closing in, "Hold on to the good" 1 Thessalonians 5:21. And when we become overwhelmed with doubt and fear, "Hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast" Hebrews 3:6.
When we are weary in the storm, let's take comfort in the peaceful waters ahead. Let's fix our eyes on Jesus and hold on...He will never let us go. He has given His Children a wonderful promise: as we continue to believe and trust Him with all our heart, we WILL overcome!
- steve troxel
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