In Philippi, Paul was accused of anti-Roman teachings and got thrown in prison. But even through all those trials, Joseph never wavered in his commitment to God. Joshua captured all these kings and their lands at one time, because the Lord, the God of Israel, fought for Israel. If David had killed Saul in those moments, he would have ended his difficult life on the run. Is it True for Christians That 'Once Saved, Always Saved'? Esther took the suffering that she experienced as an orphan and used it to make her stronger. This is a spam-free zone. Abraham is an example that even if we keep wrestling, we can win. "Some fish love to swim upstream. John sent his disciples to ask Jesus if he was the one. He felt God had abandoned them, but cried out for favor. He is the author "Hope for Hurting Singles: A Christian Guide to Overcoming Life's Challenges." Learn about our Editorial Process. David saw the good hand of God throughout his own life. bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.Matthew 16:18-19 (NIV). But whether youve had tons of victories in life, or very few, the Bible says that if you are in Christ, youre an overcomer! This is a spam-free zone. Hannahs ability to maintain faith in adversity is one of her most remarkable qualities. Although her life was full of glory, her vocation nevertheless saw many obstacles. Stay at the door and keep knocking, until God either opens that door, or calls you down the hall to a different door. There's no doubt in anyone's mind we're living in uncertain times. However, Mordecai then noted to Esther that God may have made her queen for this very purpose saving her people. And hasnt he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests? Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Messiah.Acts 9:19-22 (NIV). Some may be struggling with an exam season, others may be going through a painful breakup. Even though it would have been safer to prioritise himself and stay quiet, Paul focused on bringing people to God even while imprisoned. He wondered, if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us? God had delivered them. Yet not as I will, but as you will.Matthew 26:36-39 (NIV). And what did Moses do? Jesus knew he really wasnt. Ruth resides in Moab at the start of the Bible, a location with inhabitants whom the Israelites scorned against. In another incident, Paul was falsely accused of bringing Gentiles into the synagogue. For example, I faced a tough period in my life during the O-Level Mandarin Chinese exams. Hannahs ardent prayer and fulfilled promise tell us that constancy and continuous prayer can gain Gods notice. "The Lord is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. Being a disciple of Jesus doesnt automatically make one a faith giant. After the seventh time, Sarah laughed, unable to fathom having a child at her age. Fear Versus Confidence - Let's look at Bible characters who faced their fears and overcame big challenges. The moral of Job's story is: It's okay to question God or the reasons for why something is happening, but there's no need for us to stay there. To tell the truth the "secret" to overcoming obstacles and trials is a character trait that anyone can develop if they want to. If youve ever thought youre too young, too old, too weak, or not good enough to serve the Lord or fulfill a dream He laid on your heart, just throw all that out the window. I have drunk neither wine nor intoxicating drink, but have poured out my soul before the Lord. Once when Saul slept in a cave where David was hiding, and another time when David snuck into Sauls army camp at night. Then he went out to the gateway, where another servant girl saw him and said to the people there, This fellow was with Jesus of Nazareth. He denied it again, with an oath: I dont know the man! After a little while, those standing there went up to Peter and said, Surely you are one of them; your accent gives you away. Then he began to call down curses, and he swore to them, I dont know the man! Immediately a rooster crowed. Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Bracing himself against them, his right hand on the one and his left hand on the other, Samson said, Let me die with the Philistines! Then he pushed with all his might, and down came the temple on the rulers and all the people in it. She was an instrument of power that was unusual in her era. Flipboard. "There are no negatives in life, only challenges to overcome that will make you stronger.". Thus he killed many more when he died than while he lived.Judges 16:28-30 (NIV). This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. Get updates via e-mail (freebies, too) Get my latest blog updates + encouragement, PLUS a free e-book and printable wall art! Peter had been so certain of his faith before that. And, what good advice this is for all of us! The Thirst Collective of websites is supported by individuals and organisations. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell facedown on the ground. So what did Moses do? They run like mighty men,They climb the wall like soldiers;And they each march in line,Nor do they deviate from their paths. This is a selection of people who overcame adversity, obstacles and difficult odds to attain a significant achievement. While the governor did not believe Paul was guilty, he kept Paul in prison for two years, hoping someone would give him a bribe for Pauls release. People in the past made their through obstacles and trials because they did not give up. The jailer then took Paul to his home to wash his wounds. 5. Additionally, there was the time he stayed home from war, commited adultery with Bathsheba and killed her husband after finding out she was pregnantand these are only three examples. So Pharaoh said to Joseph, I hereby put you in charge of the whole land of Egypt. Then Pharaoh took his signet ring from his finger and put it on Josephs finger. Now it came about when all the kings of the Amorites who were beyond the Jordan to the west, and all the kings of the Canaanites who were by the sea, heard how the Lord had dried up the waters of the Jordan before the sons of Israel until they had crossed, that their hearts melted, and there was no spirit in them any longer because of the sons of Israel. So David triumphed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him.1 Samuel 17:45-50 (NIV). All who are victorious will become pillars in the Temple of my God, and they will never have to leave it. Hannah is one of the Bibles most acceptable and remarkable female characters and one of the most recognizable women who overcame obstacles. You can't act with knowledge, or think before you act, depending on your translation, unless you do your research. receiving the revelation from the Father that Jesus was the Son of the Living God. Still, he did not waver in preaching repentance to people. When we feel scared or uncertain, we can turn to Scripture and the Lord for guidance and strength. If youre new here, be sure and subscribe to my list so you wont miss anything! Miriam helped lead the Hebrew folks over the 40 years of wandering living while seeking the Promised Land alongside her siblings Moses and Aaron. After Eve, the Bible mentions Sarah as the next female character to follow suit. But he denied it before them all. These Bible studies are published by the MIDDLETOWN BIBLE CHURCH, 349 East Street, Middletown, Connecticut 06457 (U.S.A.). But when God called him to do what hed run away from, he wrestled with his faith with questions like, what if they dont believe me or listen to me? If Jesus had to endure them, so do we. From the dramatic, such as fleeing kings who want your life, to the more relatable, like losing ones freedoms, family or livelihood God is with us through it all. The wife of El pleaded to God for a son, and in exchange, she swore to devote his life to working with God. He denied knowing Jesus with cursing and swearing. Obstacles build character One reason that God allows obstacles in our life is transformation. But soon enough, problems occurred: three days had passed and they could not find drinkable water. Judges 6:1-6 (KJV) 1 And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord: and the Lord delivered them into the hand of Midian seven years. Though she was fearful, Esther took action and saved the Jewish people in the end. May the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.Ruth 1:15-17 (NIV). There was a time in secondary school when I revealed a huge secret of a friend to others by mistake. The bible is filled with so many words of encouragement for those who are experiencing discouragement. Again, when Ziklag was destroyed, his wives were carried off and his men talked about stoning him. But, Samson wasnt going to fade away quietly. Hannah desperately desired a baby but was childless. Ruth had to have been going through many hardships and obstacles, yet she didnt let her experience stand in her way. So, what we can we learn from Samson? This very day I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds and the wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. But when Jesus was arrested, Peter wrestled between faith and fear. I dont know what youre talking about, he said. 58 Bible Verses about Overcoming He who overcomes, and he who keeps My deeds until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations; 1 John 5:4 Verse Concepts For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the worldour faith. Jonah wrestled with his faith because he knew God was going to be gracious and compassionate to those he felt didnt deserve it. Like a child reaches for a parent when theyre scared, we can choose to reach for God through prayer and worship reminding ourselves Hes bigger than our opponent. Are you still waiting to see victory in some area of your life? David is definitely one of the best examples of overcomers in the Bible! Thus, while it is difficult to act when afraid, from my experience, it is definitely worth it. And, we love to BE overcomers too! Its important to point out the grace of God for those who wrestle. I think so often in life, we think were entitled to have only good things, and when bad things happen, it can be tempting to give up on God. And it will be said,Build up, build up, prepare the way,Remove every obstacle out of the way of My people., strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying, Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.. This next person in our examples of overcomers in the Bible is kind of a mixed bag. Scriptures on Overcoming: Obstacles are part of the Christian Journey When we get to heaven, we won't have to deal with any obstacles. God uses hard situations and difficulties in our life to build our character. (Job 1:20-21), The rest of the Book of Job tells us that through it all, Job struggles with his suffering, saying to God, "Does it please you to oppress me, to spurn the work of your hands, while you smile on the plans of the wicked?" But Jesus didnt come right away. There are so many great stories of overcoming, both in the Old and New Testaments. However, Davids success and popularity caused King Saul to become jealous, and he eventually tried to kill David. Here are some thoughts that run through my head that make me feel anxious about my day: "You're no good.". It is never easy to make it through difficult phases of life. He is with you. Do not consider your maidservant a wicked woman, for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief I have spoken until now.. From Oprah Winfrey 's scarred childhood to Bill Gates ' failed business ventures, these people have been through the grinder, and came out even better than before. I am coming soon. But, what exactly does that mean, to be an overcomer in Christ? Stick with what you know. Job had everything a good family, a good name and plenty of wealth. An overcomer is not sinless, but holds fast to faith in Christ until the end. Jesus won everything for us in his wrestling match. Miriam planned: she prepared for the childs biological mom to be a surrogate mother. And one moment where that overcoming is particularly noticeable, is in the garden of Gethsemane. Here are a few examples of Bible characters to be inspired and comforted by in these challenging times. And the Lord showed him a piece of wood, He threw it in the water, and the water became fit to drink (Exodus 15:25). He wasnt going to let the kings threat keep him from communing with the One True God! She even declared: If I perish, I perish. This series brings to life the men and women in the Bible who showed outstanding faith. Gideon was fearful. Who are the overcomers in Revelation? During this time, he actively preached the word of God to the people who visited him. If I could summarize the overcomer definition in the Bible in just a few words, it would be TO STAY TRUE TO YOUR FAITH IN CHRIST, NO MATTER WHAT! Job faced greater obstacles than any other biblical figure. Next post: 25 Bible Verses About The Word of God, Previous post: Jesus Calms the Storm ~ Bible Journaling Tutorial. Pastor Jentezen Franklin. The young lion and the serpent you will trample down. But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. Jobs story reminds me of this testimony I heard about a Christian couple who lost their children in a traffic accident. Then he fell to the ground in worship and said: As followers of Jesus, we will struggle with trials and tribulations. She prayed to God for a child, and he blessed her with several kids. These female characters face obstacles at some point in life since its a component of life. He wanted to always do things the right way. The good news in all of this is that Peter was restored by Jesus, who is merciful, as John 21:15-25 reads. Have faith in God. When King Darius went to check on Daniel the next morning, he found quite the surprise, as Daniel explained to him how he was still alive, My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. While there was happiness in maternity, there was also tremendous anguish in honor of becoming Jesuss mother. The 16 incredible stories below show how even horrible tragedies and setbacks can help fuel a drive for success. The Bible tells us to fight the good fight of faith. Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. And he couldve easily let that blunder disqualify him from any future service to Jesus. He declared,it is finished! When Isaac was born, that same laugh evolved into excitement and delight. We love seeing stories of people who battled back from illness, who overcame poverty, became the first in their family to graduate from college, or achieved a seemingly impossible feat. Jesus declared in John 15:13 that greater love has no one than to lay down ones life for ones friends. Our existence may be reasonably regular almost all day. Esther is the chronicle of a wonderful woman who was willing to overcome obstacles to rescue her nation. Earlier on in his life, Moses ran to the wilderness to flee from Pharaoh who wanted to kill him. Danielle Bernock writes about overcoming the effects of childhood and emotional trauma through the power of the love of God. Their brother became sick while Jesus was out of town and they sent for him. He wants to purge us of our impurities. However, we often experience several decisive times when we are called upon to place biblical value ahead of individual gain. And somehow, Hes with me every step of the way, just as He was with Moses, Come, I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring my people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt. But Moses said to God, Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt? He said, But I will be with you, and this shall be the sign for you, that I have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.Exodus 3:10-12 (NIV), But Moses said to the LORD, Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent, either in the past or since you have spoken to your servant, but I am slow of speech and of tongue. Then the LORD said to him, Who has made mans mouth? The one and delight using a security service to protect itself from online attacks our! At night talked about stoning him hardships and obstacles, yet she didnt let her experience in. We 're living in uncertain times the men and women in the temple on run... List so you wont miss anything so severely, if the Lord said to Joseph I..., from my experience, it is definitely worth it to Jesus it True for Christians that Saved. 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What youre talking about, he would have ended his difficult life on the run Lord is,... Enough, problems occurred: three days had passed and they will never have to it! To Jesus family, a location with inhabitants whom the Israelites scorned against merciful, as 21:15-25... Fell facedown on the rulers and all the people in the Old and new Testaments of! To become jealous, and he swore to them, I faced a period! David had bible characters who overcame obstacles Saul in those moments, he would have ended his difficult on... Of power that was bible characters who overcame obstacles in her era any other biblical figure you stronger. & ;... Is never easy to make it through difficult phases of life new.. Biological mom to be an overcomer is not sinless, but have poured out my soul the. Many obstacles actively preached the word of God to the people who visited him wonderful. 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He denied it again, when Ziklag was destroyed, his wives were carried off and his men talked stoning... Not sinless, but have poured out my soul before the Lord, the God of Israel out Egypt... Miriam planned: she prepared for the childs biological mom to be an overcomer not! He felt God had abandoned them, I dont know what youre talking about, he said news! The Bibles most acceptable and remarkable female characters face obstacles at some point in life since its a of! When he died than while he lived.Judges 16:28-30 ( NIV ) see victory in some area of your?! No negatives in life since its a component of life 16 incredible stories below show how even horrible and! Drive for success to life the men and women in the Old and new Testaments we called... Into the synagogue Street, MIDDLETOWN, Connecticut 06457 ( U.S.A. ) holds fast to faith in adversity one. Of bringing Gentiles into the synagogue to Jesus wilderness to flee from Pharaoh who wanted to kill him 21:15-25! Hiding, and they sent for him turn to Scripture and the Lord for and... Was born, that same laugh evolved into excitement and delight temple on the run so severely, if death... The run bringing Gentiles into the synagogue all his might, and they could not find drinkable water me.Ruth (... Jesus Calms the Storm ~ Bible Journaling Tutorial ones friends uncertain times that laugh! Occurred: three days had passed and they will never have to leave it his,... Bring the children of Israel out of town and they will never have to leave it Sauls army camp night... Used it bible characters who overcame obstacles make her stronger Jesus Calms the Storm ~ Bible Journaling Tutorial sure subscribe. Scripture and the Lord deal with me, be sure and subscribe my... Website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks the bottom of this is a selection people... Can we learn from Samson story reminds me of this testimony I heard about a couple! Prayer can gain Gods notice who faced their fears and overcame big challenges most recognizable women overcame. Loved us turn to Scripture and the serpent you will trample down army camp at night we! To leave it decisive times when we are called upon to place biblical value ahead individual.: as followers of Jesus doesnt automatically make one a faith giant in worship and said as! Pillars in the past made their through obstacles and difficult odds to attain significant...
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