Who [indeed] is the victor over the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? 1 John 5:5
The above scripture sounds both basic and profound. Simply put, that one needs the faith to believe that Jesus is the Son of God, the Word made flesh to conquer the world.. But belief is more than an assent of the mind. It requires actions and speech that affirm that belief.
The passage illuminates for us that Jesus is the foundation, step one on our road to salvation. To believe in him means we cling to our faith with each subsequent step up our own personal Calvary. All the while, the world will discourage, create obstacles, and encourage us to curse God. Our spiritual journey can feel like swimming upstream while everyone else appears to be having the time of their lives riding the chute down and skipping the climb all together. A Christian with faith can usually press on. However, Imagine the difficulty for non-believers who are happily enjoying the riches and glory of this world, to even contemplate that to believe in Christ and follow him might include deflating their pride and abandoning materialism?
Tell the rich in the present age not to be proud and not to rely on so uncertain a thing as wealth but rather on God, who richly provides us with all things for our enjoyment. Tell them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous, ready to share, thus accumulating as treasure a good foundation for the future, so as to win the life that is true life. 1 Timothy 6:17-19
Thus, we have yet another reason to pray for family. While it is not our job to convert others, it is the Holy Spirit’s. However, our prayers, sacrifices, and witnessing may be just what God uses to bring about a change of heart and an opening of the mind in another. So persevere in all forms of prayer for your family and when possible, with your family. Journey on in confidence, for our prayers accompany you!
Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet
We pray for the victory! Pass it on!
