How To Overcome

Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:12-14)

Albert P. Stauderman illustrates, “Nature reveals that life can be transformed by turning something unattractive into something of beauty. By its chemical magic, a tree or plant can take the dark soil and the waste carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and combine them with the aid of the healing warmth of the sun to produce green leaves, colored flowers, red roses, yellow tulips, blue larkspur, or a million other designs. By means of chemical processes, we can take black coal and convert it into red dyes, synthetic rubber, or nylon cloth. Faith gives life a similar transforming power; the power to talk trouble or adversity and make it into something lovely and inspiring. “

Adversity has been characterized by lemons with a natural sour taste. A proverbial phrase suggests when life becomes a lemon, make lemonade. The idea is that when faced with a hardship in life, take the opportunity of an adverse event to encourage optimism and a positive view of life. If viewed from the right standpoint, afflictions can be blessings in disguise. Pearls form from an irritant like sand lodging between the shell and the mollusk’s soft tissue. If defense against the agitation, the mollusk secrets nacre to coat the irritant, creating the pearl. Life can be filled with things that agitate and irritate, but viewed from a positive perspective, it can develop blessings instead of hardships.

God knows our struggles and has provided His wisdom to help us navigate the difficulties. The Bible tells the stories of many who faced great challenges but found a way to endure with hope and joy through faith in God and trusting in the grace of a loving Father. Adam and Eve lost Eden but did not lose faith in God. Noah was told of a flood that would destroy all life on Earth. The blessings of the flood was while the flood destroyed the wicked, the waters saved the righteous. Abraham trusted in the word of God, facing difficult decisions, and became the father of the righteous. Job lost his ten children, almost all of his servants, his flocks, crops, and possessions, and then lost his health. Three friends came to comfort him and could not find the words to bring him joy. Job did not curse God and die but grew in his faith from the experience to have a greater love for God.

Jesus endured the cross to gain salvation for sinful man. The suffering of Jesus became the blessing of grace for all those who believe in Him and obey His word. Afflictions in life can be challenging, but they can also create a stronger spirit of love and devotion to the Lord. God will not forsake His children. He knows the difficulties of life. When man’s heart turns to God’s love, life can be a productive time of joy and happiness in the face of adversity. Let the hardships become the peace of God. Put your trust in God, and you will find joy.