GREATER IS HE. “Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for HE who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.”1 John 4:4 ESVCould it be you do not understand what the NT church and the first apostles endured?
American Christians are not ready for any kind of persecution or affliction. They’ve swallowed hook, line and sinker the lie of the prosperity and false love gospel. The lie of, “If I’m suffering in any way, the enemy is attacking me! God loves me so much I don’t have to go through anything!” Really? Do you even read your Bible? “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.” 1 Peter 4:12-13 ESV
There is a remnant who will go through the fire and come out as pure gold. These will not bow to Nebuchadnezzar but will stand in stark adversity to the spirit of this present age. We are appointed to suffer for Christ, “For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.” Philippians 1:29-30
Notice, we are to be engaged in the same battle that Paul was engaged in: preaching the cross of Christ, dying to self, bearing one another’s burdens, casting down evil imaginations, overcoming sin and our past, pursuing peace and holiness, disciplining the flesh, enduring other’s attacks; and the list goes on, “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:11-13
There is no present sin that cannot be overcome through Him. There is no past experience that cannot be overcome in Him. There’s no future persecution that cannot be overcome through Him. But, a false gospel will produce false hope. A false Jesus cannot help you and a false Holy Spirit will lie to you and deceive you. Why are you still fearful? Why do you isolate? Why do you still act as if your past trauma is your present reality?
Whom do you rely on? Most are relying on themselves. You’ve made the pain of your past your friend instead of renewing your mind to the Words of life. I think on the above scripture and meditate on what this means a lot. When people tell me I can’t do “that”, greater is HE.
When people tell me I can’t overcome “this”, greater is HE. When someone says you’ll never be able to stop doing “that”, greater is HE. When a friend says “that’s too difficult for you”, greater is HE. When the world says I can’t be “this”, greater is HE. When my body is racked with pain, greater is HE. When everyone is against me, greater is HE. When they throw out every excuse for me to quit, greater is HE. My past is not greater than HE and HE holds my future. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. Greater is HE.#runyourrace
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