“Since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity so that by His death He might break the power of him who holds the power of death – that is, the devil – and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death… Because He Himself suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted.”
(Hebrews 2:14-18)
The hope for the new year rests in our Lord Jesus Christ. Because He lives, we live (see John 14:19-20). Because He overcame temptation, He is able to help us when we are tempted. Because He has overcome the world (and since we are in Him), we are overcomers.
When doubt floods our minds, we can pray like the father who interceded for his son: “Lord, I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24) When fear creeps into our hearts, we look to our Good Shepherd: “My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of My Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.” (John 10:27-30)
Because we are children of the One ‘greater than all,’ we should not be consumed with pettiness, bitterness, or revenge. “On the contrary: ‘If your enemy is hungry feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink…’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:20-21)
May God’s overcomers shine the light of Christ brightly in 2020!
Happy New Year!
“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
“Everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.” I John 5:4-5