Overcoming

Let's be honest, the struggle is real. Life sometimes hurts and situations get to the best of us at times. So, what do we do? We gather whatever ebb of strength and become determined to press on. We draw on a strength and grace that is beyond our very own understanding. Sometimes that's all we can do because giving up is not an option.

Many of us have experienced something in our lives that we have overcome, whether fears, anxiety, grief, failure or anything else that challenged us. For someone like me, who has lived and lost, and been distressed but found healing, passion and purpose again, these are not just words. This is my experience and my testimony. What are yours?

If we consider a marathon, the fundamental focus is on endurance and not speed like a sprint. Similarly, life's journey and our individual race to the finish line is not about speed, but endurance. So, despite the pain, the fears, uncertainties, the distractions and obstacles along the way, we cannot reach the finish line if we give up.

We don't just refuse to give up or overcome our challenges because we are invincible in ourselves. Oh, how we probably wish we were! We overcome because there is One who overcame the things of this world. Also, we have been given grace and His Holy Spirit dwells in us, so we are more than conquerors.

In this world we will have tribulation: but be of good cheer; you and I can overcome. Because of this assurance, our ability to overcome adversities is real. Why? Because greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4). Therefore, we can overcome and are overcomers, even when we don't see it or feel it for ourselves.

Imagine being at peace when the battle for our minds is raging, or just feeling contentment when prayers seemingly go unanswered. Even when life seems to be against us and so much is going wrong, we are encouraged to press on. How can we do that? Because we trust the One who works in and through us!

The truth is that we can never quantify His strength in us. We cannot even comprehend how joy becomes our portion when negativity presents itself all around us and we feel like we don't possess the strength to continue. When we would rather give up on life, a soft still voice speaks clearer than day, "My child, My grace is sufficient for you. Trust Me to see you through. Do not fear and do not lose heart. I am here."

Unfortunately, there were some who grew weary and discouraged, and dropped out along the way but let's be intentional. Be encouraged. There are others cheering us on as we run this long-distance race. It is hard work, yes but we can continue. This journey and race takes perseverance and persistence but we have what it takes. So, let's give attention to what is important to win because if we stay focused and committed to the course until the end, then and only then, with assurance we can say that we are overcomers.

By Ruth Ferguson