Surviving Or Thriving?

As a follower of Jesus, do you view yourself as a “survivor” or a “thriver”? Are you one who has learned to “cope” with life or one who, in the hope of Christ, is pressing on with more strength and more confidence with each step you take?

In Paul’s letter to the church at Rome, he tried to encourage his readers how much God was for them. ( Romans 8:31) However, they faced challenges as Paul did that could cause some to wonder about that. Does our view of God helps us merely to cope or are we strengthened to press on because of a STEADFAST HOPE?

Paul went on to say…
“No, in all these things we are MORE THAN CONQUERORS through him who loved us.” ( Romans 8:37 ESV)

He didn’t say, “just winners” or “just victors”, but rather “MORE” than conquerors! That doesn’t seem to be the picture of one who just copes or survives. It is true many things in this life are tough! In fact, Paul listed some of those things in connection with this verse: tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger, and sword. ( Romans 8:35). With God’s help and through retaining a STEADFAST HOPE in His promises, we can make it through these.

In the midst of hardships experienced by the early church we still see a picture of thriving faith and the powerful testimony of unwavering perseverance because of HOPE IN CHRIST. Like Peter, we can either look at the storm and begin to sink ( Matthew 14:30) or we can keep our eyes on Jesus and continue to walking toward Him. Our perspective on the truth linked to Christ is going to make the difference in our daily walk.

Have a great day THRIVING IN CHRIST!
Carl
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[This focus was originally sent 8/19/1998, (Edited some and the passage has been changed to ESV)]

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