November 6 Thought for the day...real faith

One of the advantages I have from traveling to over 100 nations is I have seen the church around the world. My point of view is a little different from the "American Christianity" many of my brothers and sisters in Christ have in the US. Some of the happiest Christians I have met are those in the worst circumstances. They have come to know Christ not through stuff but as the friend He is. Struggles have not pushed them away but, instead, have made them among those with the most profound faith.

"....In the world, you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

A few days ago, I shared with you the cost of changing the world. Paul went through many tribulations as Jesus spoke of here. What did Jesus mean? The word "tribulation" means to be pressured, squeezed, super stressed to be in a situation that is so intense that in the natural, it is almost unbearable. Paul told us in 2 Corinthians 11:24 that he was beaten with 39 stripes. They did this to him 5 times. They bent him naked over a post 13 times they beat him on the face and chest with a three strapped whip that had bits of bone in it to rip at his flesh. The other 26 stripes were done to his back, legs, and buttocks. He then put his clothes on and kept sharing the Gospel, not allowing anything to defeat him! That is real faith

Paul gave us an example of "being in good cheer" despite tribulation. This means, be courageous, take heart, be bold, keep moving with zest. It takes no faith never to face and trial, difficulties, or struggles. Chances are if you aren't facing these things and at times deserts, you aren't growing! Faith is overcoming, a lack of faith gives up in the face of struggles.

When Jesus said, "overcome the world," this means that we will continuously, always, in every way have victory. In other words, Jesus is telling us despite what we may be walking through; we had the victory, will have the victory, and will continuously have the victory.

The word "world" here refers to the arena in which Satan tries to wield his power. People of faith, despite trials, tribulation, and struggles, if we keep our eyes on Jesus will have victory, continuously over Satan and the authority he has, because "greater is He that is in us, than he that is in the "world!"

Real faith doesn't mean we don't go through stuff. In fact, it means just the opposite if you are growing in Christ, you will face opposition at every turn because the "prince of this world" doesn't like you making claims and taking his territory, the people and/or stuff he controls. Real faith takes the stuff and overcomes it to walk in victory every time. We don't walk by might, nor power, but by His Spirit for victory continuously!