Are you familiar with the song “How I Got over” by Mahalia Jackson? It says sometimes I look back and wonder how I made it over. There are days when we all wonder how we made it over and sometimes wonder if we can keep moving forward. We get through one challenge and here comes another. Before we can even grasp the concept of losing a loved one, we have to grieve the loss of another. And let’s not get into the troubles of this world today. We jump over one hurdle and just as we feel our feet adjusting to walking the path again, a new hurdle emerges. All the while we are trying to live a life that pleases Christ, our Savior. I finally found the secret on how to make it over, in spite of circumstance. Well it’s not really a secret. The Bible tells us from chapter to chapter and scripture to scripture how to make it over life’s challenges.
God’s Word gives us the answers on how to make it over. The first thing we must remember and believe is 2 Corinthians 1:20, “For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “Yes!” in Christ. And through Christ, our “Amen” (which means “Yes”) ascends to God for his glory.” God’s promises us that He is our strength, He will never leave us, He have plans to prosper us, He will fight for us, He will give us peace, and He will love us. You don’t have to believe me, grab your Bible and read it for yourself. The only thing we have to do is accept God’s gift of salvation and have faith in His promises.
Sounds so simple, right? So why is people still struggling with life trying to make it over day after day? Why are they stressed and overwhelmed? It helps when we stay focused on God. I try to glance at the world and what’s going on but keep my gaze on God. The Bible puts it this way in Colossians 3:1-2, “Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.” Jesus said in this world we would have trials and tribulations. (John 16:33). It was not easy for Him here on earth as a man, nor has it been easy for anyone that has followed Him, then or now. There are people right now who are being persecuted for their beliefs and worship. Just as we know there was a purpose for Christ’s pain and suffering, we know because of Christ there is purpose in our pain and suffering as well. We don’t rejoice because of the suffering, but because of God’s goodness. We suffer for the sake of divine glory.
But the good news is God is all-powerful, His power is not restrained, limited, or inhibited by anyone or anything on earth. So If God is for us, (and He is) who can be against us?(Romans 8:31). There is nothing we face that takes God by surprise. No enemy is too strong for Him to conquer. No prayer is too difficult for Him to answer. And when we get tired or overwhelmed think of the Prophet Elijah (1 Kings 19:1-21). Right after God used Elijah to show how amazing He is, the queen of Israel, Jezebel, threatened Elijah’s life. You would think he would have no fear after what he just witnessed God do on Mount Carmel. Yet Elijah was human. He was a regular man like us who just got tired. He sat under a tree and said, “I have had enough Lord.” That’s exactly how this world can make us feel sometimes. We sometimes want to say I have had enough Lord. We want to go sit somewhere and have a pity party. But look how God responded to Elijah’s moping, He said, “get some rest, eat some food, go back the way you came, and find the others who serve me to support you.” And that’s exactly what He will do for us. He will refresh, renew, and send us help when we need it!
The promises of Romans 8:28 that God works for our good “in all things” is encouraging when we are facing challenges. If our hearts and motives are pure and we truly seek to do God’s will, then there is nothing too difficult for us as we depend on His strength. Keep your focus on God and believe in His promises. Standing on God’s promises is how we make it over! Love and Blessings…
“I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.” (John 17:14)
“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)AMP
“We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame.” (Romans 5:3-5)
“We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love [him] and [who] are called according to his purpose for them.” (Romans 8:28)
“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” (Colossians 3:2)
EMMANUEL 