Way Greater

Hello All,

Here’s the word;

1 John 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

I have a problem. I guess admitting that I have a problem is the first step in resolving it; at least that’s what “they” say. My problem? I think Christians should be stronger. Not super as in we should wear capes or overly concern ourselves with heroics. Maybe it’s just that I think we’re often too weak. It’s hard to wrap my mind around it because internally, I always counter with the assumed expectation: We have the same problems as people in the world, are you saying we shouldn’t have those problems? Because believe me, it’s not by choice. I know. I get it. So once I’ve gestated over the idea, I think what I’m trying to say is I think there’s something wrong with our approach.

Here’s The Word:

John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

In reading, this verse flows easily off the lips, but in practice, it seems as if we’re confronted with a dichotomy. “Be of good cheer”. Okay He must mean when things are going good or at best in the face of small problems because how can you be of good cheer when you’ve lost your job, or your father dies, or your spouse leaves? He can’t possibly mean be of good cheer then, right? But when I read it, I see that this was exactly the purpose; to give a reason for good cheer in spite of tribulation - in all its forms. God has overcome the world AND He has a real and abiding presence in those of us who believe. And it’s not just better. I remember seeing a picture on Facebook of Jesus arm wrestling the devil. I think people tend to believe that evil is equal and opposite of good and at the end of it all, a tired and exhausted “good” will squeak out the win against “evil”. It’s opposite, but it is in no way equal. God is WAY greater. No contest. We just have to put the important things before us. God’s “Way Greaterness” is not to provide you with a job, immortal friends and family or even a spouse that won’t leave. His way greaterness secures us in our hope that in the midst of such a depraved existence, wrought with struggle and unfairness, this world system ends as the loser and Heaven will be nothing like this. Tears will be wiped away, hunger will give way to healing. Not even death can claim victory! In 2 Corinthians 12:9 The Apostle Paul receives the message; My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. 5 years later Paul penned the words in Phillipians 4:11 stating that he learned to be content in whatever state he finds himself. It's often not an easy existence, but now I'm sure that "easy" wasn't supposed to be a prerequisite for the peace and good cheer we're supposed to have. I pray Colossians 3:15 … that the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. And realize the power that we have in us should affect our approach to life. It’s a power that’s not just a little better than the evils of this world…it’s WAY Greater!


In Him,
Cros