Conquerors #8—Conquering Praise

In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have conquered the world. John 16:13

Almighty God, Ruler of your vast creation, we take heart in the midst of tribulation because of how Jesus, who emptied himself of the prerogatives of deity and incorporated himself among us as a servant, achieved victory and demonstrated how we can too. Just as we do, he experienced tests of his confidence in and allegiance to you. So, we are encouraged by his conquering every inclination to rely on his own wisdom and ability, or to use the people around him for his own benefit. When we encounter affliction or persecution because we’ve responded to the gospel; or when the worries of the world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things enter our hearts; we have hope for complete victory through him who loved us. For his Spirit, who is in us, is greater than the spirit that is in the world. Because we have Christ in us, we can courageously fight the fight of faith. We can conquer fear and dismay even in the face of great enemies because the battle is not ours but yours. Though we are only human, we do not use human weapons in our fight. Rather, our weapons are divinely powerful for destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God. Thus we can take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. So, we continue in conquering faith because you have laid up for us a crown of righteousness and will award it to us because we have lovingly anticipated your victorious return. Amen.