Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. (1 Peter 4:16, ESV)
When we are struggling, it is easy to let your struggle become your identity. It puts you in the victim mentality. You allow your struggle to define you and set the course for your life.
But you are not a victim. You are a child of God. You will not be defined by the obstacle you face. You are more than a conqueror through Jesus Christ who gives you strength.
Many people will claim their illness. They will call it “my illness.” But is not yours! The Apostle Paul would call his thorn in the flesh “a messenger from Satan.” Paul was clear that the thorn in the flesh was oppressing him but it did not belong to him.
There may be obstacles you face. There may be great burdens placed upon you. But don’t claim them. Rebuke them. Claim the Savior! Claim grace and faith. Claim victory that is already won – even though it may not be full realized.
God is greater than the cancer. God is greater than the depression. God is greater than the betrayal. God is greater than the pink slip. God is greater than whatever it is that you face.
Reflection
- What is the danger of allowing your suffering to identify you?
- How do you rebuke your burdens?
Prayer
Thank you Jesus for the victory that you won on the cross. Thank for overcoming sin, death, and Satan. Thank you for overcoming every struggle I face. Give me strength and faith to continue to move forward even as I walk through these difficult times. Amen.
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