Day 5: On The Winning Side

"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." John 16:33

We tend to think to ourselves that once the hardships and heartaches are over we will finally be able to put it in the past and move on. We like to imagine ourselves never having to deal with that pain again, but in reality the pain never really goes away. As humans, we seem to never forget the hurts of yesterday. Especially as nonbelievers, it's easy for people to feel like the best way to come back is to get back at what was holding us back.

Romans 12:19 says, "Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord." Believers are not to get even with others but to rather give place to wrath. Jesus says, "Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth; But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also." Matthew 5:38-40. Our flesh always wants to get even but the Spirit must be stronger than the flesh! (Matthew 26:41)

The best thing to realize as believers (and only believers can have this assurance) is the world will always have troubles and trials, but through Christ we have already overcome them for we know the one that has overcome the world! We know the one who has defeated death and hell. We have victory through Jesus Christ. "For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief." Proverbs 24:16

What has been keeping you down? May I encourage you to trust in the one who has already won the battle for you? You can come out ahead when you are confident in who will win. Trust in Christ with ALL of your life.