One of the best places to learn about over-comers is the Bible. Joseph was sold into slavery by his own brothers, but overcame that devastating blow as he was placed in charge of his master Potiphar's house because of his hard work and dedication. From there Joseph was falsely accused by Potiphar's wife and imprisoned, only to overcome yet another potentially life ending event, ultimately becoming second only to Pharaoh in command of Egypt and beyond. In the end Joseph actually forgave his brothers for what they did to him as a child with this proclamation in Genesis 50:20 "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people's lives." (See Genesis 39-50 for the whole story)
Then there's Paul in the New Testament. After Paul's conversion on the Damascus road, Paul became a devoted and resilient Christian that was persecuted, threatened, and even imprisoned for his faith. To complicate matters Paul also suffered from some type of affliction that caused him great pain and discomfort throughout his life. Paul pleaded in his prayers to have the pain relieved, but the response Paul received was: “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” II Corinthians 12:9. From there Paul gained strength to endure and continue forward as he proclaimed in verse 10 of the same chapter, "Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
Joseph and Paul are just two examples out of a multitude of examples provided in the Bible that give us encouragement and strength to carry on and to never quit through our own challenges in life. Whatever we go through in life we have to develop that same mindset. There has been extensive research completed by giants in the field of grit and resiliency such as Angela Duckworth, Carol Dweck, and Paul Tough that speak to the undeniable impact on one's life by persevering through adversity and sticking it out to resolution. We either bend and eventually succumb to our afflictions, or we hold tight (grit), we never give up (resiliency), and we never quit regardless of our situation or state of being (perseverance). Will we always win? Will things always work out the way we envision? Do we have to personally overcome to experience victory?
The answer to the aforementioned questions will serve as the end of our time together today. Referring back to the Bible look at the life of Jesus. Jesus lived a sinless life, yet He knew what was getting ready to happen to him as He prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus knew He was about to be tortured and eventually crucified to the point that He pleaded in Matthew 26:39 “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will”. That cup did not pass Jesus by and to those that are lost in hopelessness the story ends there. But, even as Jesus hung on the cross struggling for what would be His last breath on this earth he cried out "Father forgive them for they know not what they do!" Luke 23:34. With that final prayer victory was sealed and Jesus won and so did mankind. Jesus persevered! We know the rest of the story, three days later Jesus rose from the grave and sits at the right hand of His Father in Heaven today. Whatever you are facing in life be it physical in nature, attacks on your family or other relationships, financial matters, or whether it is an attack on your own faith hold tight, never give up, and never quit!
My prayer for you today:
"Dear Lord try us and test us, deepen our resolve through the trials and afflictions of this life. Teach us to wait, open the eyes of our hearts, give us peace and understanding and where those do not exist build trust and resolve in our hearts and souls. Let our faith be our strength and may the resiliency that you build in us be an encouragement to others in our lives. Father I pray for those that are going through adversity in their lives and I pray that the tribulations of this life may be bearable because of their complete reliance on You and the words of life that You share. Father God let us look up unto You the Mountain of our faith, from where our strength comes from. Surely the Creator of Heaven and earth can and will see us through our valleys and give us the strength to see our own dilemma resolved. Lord remind us of those in our own lives and also those from history's lens that have gone before us and persevered through adversity, only for us to benefit from their suffering. Keep us mindful that our lives are not for us, bur are actually lived for the benefit of all that we can touch through the life we have lived for You. Thank you Father for the opportunity to serve You each day. For not our will, but Thy will be done. Amen"
Coach Carter
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