Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – October 9, 2015
He who has an ear, let him hear and heed what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes [the world through believing that Jesus is the Son of God], I will grant [the privilege] to eat [the fruit] from the tree of life, which is in the Paradise of God. Revelation 2:7, Amplified Bible
Sometimes I question my faith. Is God really just and loving? If so, why is there so much injustice and hatred on the planet? Is my life really making a difference or am I just another voice crying in the wilderness? But when I question—the Holy Spirit gives me answers. He reminds me through Scripture what Christ has done—is doing and will do. Fortunately, when my questions are answered by the Bible, my faith grows stronger. Conquering trust in Jesus engages doubt with truth. Trust and truth resist giving up—they go forward. Faith overcomes my doubts.
John reminds the churches of Christ’s restoration of the Garden of Eden. Jesus’ death and resurrection made a way beyond the flaming angel who blocked the entrance into Paradise (Genesis 3:23-24). He replaced it with “Whosoever believes in Me will live” (John 11:25). The Tree of Life is accessible to those who embrace Christ as their life. Heaven is top of mind for an aggressive trust in the Lord. Our faith on earth overcomes, because Jesus overcame life and death and made a way for eternal life. Trust in Jesus eventually wins for He is already victorious.
“For everyone born of God is victorious and overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has conquered and overcome the world—our [continuing, persistent] faith [in Jesus the Son of God]” (1 John5:4, Amplified Bible).
Are you overwhelmed by life? Or feel stuck in a no win situation? If so, have faith. The Lord has not brought you this far to abandon you. God has not given up on you—so don’t give up on Him. Our experiences on earth are corrupted, but one day in heaven they will be incorruptible. We see glimpses of God’s glory in the face a cooing infant, the cascading of a surging waterfall and in the words of a forgiving friend. Look for God in life’s small things and watch your faith grow.
Exercised faith is an overcoming faith. Like a healthy body needs resistance and rest, so our faith grows stronger when stretched and challenged. Everyday life is an exercise of faith in Jesus. Will hard times harden or soften our heart? Will good times grow our generosity or feed our greed? Our faith overcomes when we persevere in a job where we feel underpaid and under appreciated. Our faith overcomes when God’s grace is sufficient in our painful circumstance. Our faith overcomes when we remain faithful to Jesus. Trust conquers this world—anticipating the next.
“I [Jesus] have told you these things so that you will be whole and at peace. In this world, you will be plagued with times of trouble, but you need not fear; I have triumphed over this corrupt world order” (John 16:33, The Voice).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I trust You. Grow my faith into a faith that overcomes.
Application: What life situation requires me to have an aggressive trust in the Lord?
Related Readings: John 15:18-21; Romans 8:37; 1 John 4:4; Revelation 2:26, 21:7
Post/Tweet this today: God has not given up on you—so don’t give up on Him. #WisdomHunters #faithovercomes
Worship Resource: 4 minute video- Prestonwood Choir & Orchestra: Victory in Jesus
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