Having Life as I Overcome
Dear Friends:
It is the season of Advent. Two weeks ago, on Sunday, we lit the first Advent candle, which stands for hope. As I think about the quote by Oswald Chambers, “God does not give us overcoming life, but life as we overcome,” I am struck by the need for hope in our overcoming.
Hope, which is synonymous with desire, expectation, and belief, indicates that we are actively holding onto something that we neither see nor possess in the moment. Hope, in our Christian walk, joins faith and love as being the three key virtues to facilitate our journey.
To be overcomers on an ongoing basis requires that we are leaning forward toward something…toward hope. Overcoming requires that we view each day as part of a larger whole that will coalesce into a redemptive masterpiece authored by our Savior. Overcoming asks us to pack faith, hope, and love among our provisions for the journey and to rely on them more than we rely on what we see, feel, or experience.
In short, hope is a gift from the Holy Spirit. As we encounter obstacles, the Holy Spirit plants hope in our hearts so that we find “life as we overcome.”
This season, I pray Peter’s words for you, “Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at His coming.” (I Peter 1:13, NIV)
Blessings,
Ron
Hi Ron
Its been a tough year for me personally, you and the staff know that. I just want to make sure you know how much of an encouragement you and team have been. It seems that EVERY communication I have had with the team is one of hope, faith and love. Please thank everyone there for sharing God's grace and charging my "life battery". I have great hope and faith that 2012 is going to be much brighter and full of blessing that I can't even imagine.
Grace upon you all.
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Excellent word for me today. It was just what I needed to hear. Thank you for sharing this devotional!
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