OVERCOMING TROUBLES OF THE WORLD
We wonder how to overcome how to overcome many troubles in this world—sins, mistreatments, sicknesses, finances, relationships and many other problems. Jesus said while we are in this world we will have many troubles; but he says be encouraged because he has overcome the world (John 16:33). We can learn from scriptures how Jesus and an apostle like Paul overcame many troubles of the world. (Romans 15:4).
JESUS DEPENDED ON GOD THE FATHER TO OVERCOME
Jesus manifested his reliance on God the Father in overcoming the world:
JOHN 14:10. Believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me? The words I say to you, I do not speak on My own. Instead, it is the Father dwelling in Me, performing His works
JOHN 5:19. Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing.”
ACTS 10:38. God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
LUKE 22:44. When facing the cross for our reconciliation to God, Jesus prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.
2 CORINTHIANS 5:19. God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
HEBREWS 12:2. For the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
PAUL DEPENDED ON GOD’S SON TO OVERCOME
The Lord’s Apostle Paul learned that Jesus suffered all things like we suffer–even more died on the cross for our sins–but without sin (Hebrews 4:15). Jesus chose Paul as and example of suffering for the Lord (Acts 9:16).
The Apostle shared some of the things he suffered for the name of Jesus. In 2 Corinthians 11, Paul said he was in prison more than once, was beaten to the point of death several times, was stoned, was shipwrecked three times, gone without sleep, often gone without food, been cold and naked, was in danger from different people, including false brothers. . . . However, Paul asked brothers and sisters of the Church to pray for him (2 Thessalonians 2:1-2).
Realizing he could do nothing without the Lord (John 15:5); Paul said: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). And looking beyond his troubles Paul said, “there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:8).
WE CAN OVERCOME BY RELYING ON JESUS CHRIST
Our sufferings may not be the same as those of the Lord and Paul. However, God knows how much each of us can bear (1 Corinthians 10:13). And in trusting him, we learn he enables us by the Holy Spirit to do all things through Christ who strengthens us.
Allow me to share some of the things the Lord has been helping me with, that you may identify with in some way: I have been jobless several times; have had three cancer related operations; suffered with family members in their sicknesses; mourned the death of my wife who was my soul-mate; grieved the loss of all members of my own and past generations. Yet these things have helped me to grow in trusting the Lord.
Trusting in the Lord, he has strengthen me and provided for all my needs according to his riches in glory. I am persuaded I will be with those again who preceded me in going to be with the Lord.
I am convinced we, like Paul, can overcome the troubles of the world by relying on our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
