Living Victoriously

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
look full in His wonderful face,
and the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
in the light of His glory and grace.

Is this hymn familiar to you? Do you hear the melody as you read it? In light of His glory and grace...

We need encouragement in life. We need to know that we can do this life through the power of God. Hebrews 11 talks about people before us who "by faith" obeyed God even when they didn't understand what God was up to... believed God's promises even when they seemed impossible... moved forward facing their fears... chose "rather to be mistreat with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin."

These situations sound relevant to our lives, don't they? These people have gone before us. They faced all kinds of horrible situations by trusting their Faithful God. They walked by faith. They didn't have the example of Christ before them. They didn't know the power and victory of the cross. They didn't have the power of God living in them by the Holy Spirit. But we do!

As you read the next passage, take note of all the powerfully descriptive words.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. Hebrews 12:1-4

You can live an obedient, victorious life - by the power of God. That same power that raised Christ from the dead lives in you if you are following God as His child. That power is able to do the impossible!

By our own strength we can't be obedient, trusting, forgiving, or courageous. We need God to do this in us. We also need encouragement from those who have gone before us, and help from those around us who are walking by faith. As you begin the fall, make it a top priority to meet with others who will encourage and help you to put your hope and trust in God.

Sisters, our prayers are with you. We pray for you, our readers. Peace to you.