“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: ‘For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.’ No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” – Romans 8:35-37

Overcoming is No Accident

When Mine That Bird won the 2009 Kentucky Derby, it was the second biggest upset in horse racing’s most prestigious event. At the rear of the field early in the race, the jockey made a tremendous move to squeeze through a small opening. After a huge burst of speed to pass the leaders, the race was won. Mine That Bird may have been a long-shot, but the win was no accident – talent, preparation, and a great application of strategy proved to be the winning formula.

You may feel like the odds are stacked against you in your Christian walk. You may feel like God is distant or that your attempts to serve Him are empty. Life’s circumstances may feel overwhelming. So how do you overcome?

We overcome in much the same way Mine That Bird did. Time spent in God’s Word provides the foundation and knowledge needed “so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (I Timothy 3:16-17). Seeking God in prayer and asking for the direction of the Holy Spirit provide much needed direction. Correctly applying your talents, abilities and spiritual gifts results in works of service for God that are completely satisfying because they are focused on God’s purposes rather than our own.

How is your spiritual training? Overcoming spiritual adversity is a matter of good preparation, responding to the Holy Spirit, and applying God’s strategy. Luck has nothing to do with it.

— Phillip Blosser, Ph.D.

(Photo Credit: Jessica Cross)