Living life, fully knowing my position in Christ; changes how I view everything else! This journey remains filled with trials, tribulations, storms, and often, periods of agonizing loneliness with feelings of rejection. Jesus warned us of that very truth, “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). Be of good cheer, in Christ Jesus we have everything that we need to know peace in the center of chaos, joy when sorrow surrounds us, and love when the world hates us. Knowing my position in Christ Jesus, held firm by God’s Mighty Right Hand of Righteousness; gives me the strength to face every obstacle in this life with joy, hope, and faith.
God’s promises hold fast that “all things work together for my good” (Romans 8:28) and that His plans for me are good. (Jeremiah 29:11). You see, when you really know these truths; when they are written on your heart with God’s indelible ink; then, you begin to see every trial as a gracious gift from God’s hands of love. Trials pull us closer to Him, tribulations stretch our faith forcing our roots to dig deeper into the foundations of His truth, or they force us to turn around when we have wandered down the wrong road.
Whichever it may be; the sorrows of this world are but stepping stones to His Glory. Nothing that my feeble hands can do could bring me closer to His Glory; yet, in the strength and power of Jesus Christ, through the work of the Holy Spirit in me; I can do all things. (Philippians 4:13)
ONLY TRUE SOURCE OF HOPE WHEN FACING TRIALS AND TEMPTATIONS
Jesus Christ, in you; the hope of Glory. Without Him and His redemptive work on Calvary; we would have no hope of Glory; nor would we be able to stand victorious against the chains of sin in our own hearts.
Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly…That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 5:1-6,21
My only hope of winning the war against sin in my own heart comes by first accepting the atoning gift of salvation purchased on the cross by Jesus Christ. Then, God begins the work or purifying my heart. Cloaked in the righteousness of Jesus Christ, I stand before His Throne of Grace. Yet, God doesn’t stop there; as He sets forth the arduous task of burning away whatever chaff remains. Furthermore, step by step; He rips from my hands the counterfeit joys my human heart clings to; until, one day I will look like Jesus. Not by my own strength; but, by the strength of God Almighty
THE STRENGTH TO OVERCOME TRIALS AND TEMPTATIONS
In our own power; we cannot overcome. Yet, be of good cheer; Jesus Christ overcame and won the victory. He indwells us with the Holy Spirit and sits on the right hand of the Father ever making intercession for us. (Romans 8:34)
Jesus said,
Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. John 15:4-5
There can be no righteousness, apart from Jesus Christ abiding in us. In Christ Jesus, we claim our position as the redeemed, beloved, blessed, chosen children of God, heirs of the kingdom, servant by choice, whom God declares to be Saints. Without Jesus Christ, we remain condemned for all of eternity; because we chose to not believe on the name of Jesus Christ. All who fail to proclaim Him as the only begotten Son of God who died for their sins; will perish; because they did not believe the truth of the gospel. “ Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14: 6
THE STRENGTH TO OVERCOME SIN
The only strength to overcome the power of sin comes through the strength given me by Jesus Christ. All who abide in Christ Jesus, will bring forth the fruit of the Spirit. If you do not see any transformation of your own heart; then, my question would be “did you ever really accept Jesus Christ as your Savior?” On the other hand, if you find yourself struggling with sin and you know for certain that Jesus Christ is Your Lord and Savior; run to the cross of Jesus Christ, asking Him for the victory to overcome.
The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand. Psalm 37:23-24
THE ABIDING, EVERLASTING JOY
Our true joy never comes from the trivialities and desires of this world; because, the only true source of joy comes from an intimate relationship with our Creator. Therefore, the joy found in Christ Jesus abides in our hearts; flowing forth like a fountain of spring water even when everything around us looks barren.
Concluding Tweets:
[bctt tweet=”Living life, fully knowing my position in Christ; changes how I view everything else!” username=”effiedarlene”]
[tweetthis]Abiding in Christ, my life is filled with hope, strength and joy[/tweetthis]
[bctt tweet=”Trials, sorrows & temptations are merely stepping stones to Glory in Jesus Christ” username=”effiedarlene”]
If you don’t know how to accept Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link, email me by clicking here or comment here
This is an original Drawing by an amazing artist. Check out his work: http://roninron.com .
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featured photograph at beginning of post by permission of https://unsplash.com/@currentcoast©Effie Darlene Barba, 2017
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.