Favored to Win

Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. (Ps 20:7)

How many times in the Bible did God give his people victory when they were outnumbered, outgunned and outmaneuvered? If you think “the odds” are stacked against you, you are wrong. The very thought rests on the concept that random chance will decide the outcome. But we know that God is sovereign. And he is more powerful than all his adversaries. His strength is invisible, but it is far greater than the strength of our enemies.

No Obstacle Too Great

With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall. (Ps 18:29)

A great image of how the power of God can enable us to do many things and to overcome great obstacles. It seems to me in my present circumstance my greatest opposition comes from my own sin nature, but that, too, God’s power can overcome. Thank you, Lord!

He Who Overcomes

To him who overcomes I will give the right to sit with me on my throne. (Rev 3:21)

In these letters to the seven churches Christ continually promises a reward “to him who overcomes.” I wonder exactly what is meant by “overcome” here. I think it means living a life characterized by persevering through trials and resisting temptation. I think I see that “obedience” theme peeking through again. God is clearly making strong demands on us. He really expects us to live out our lives in a particular way, which doesn’t involve taking the easy road or doing whatever we feel like. Not that our salvation depends on it, but our reward does, not the least of which is the satisfaction of knowing that God is pleased with us. We were created for this. Nothing satisfies like living out the purpose for which God created us.