June 16th, 2025
by Rev Kevin C Benton
by Rev Kevin C Benton
Pressing Through to Victory:
Overcoming Life's Challenges
Life often presents us with obstacles that seem insurmountable. We face troubles from every direction, feeling confused, persecuted, and sometimes even knocked down. But in these moments, we must remember that we are not alone, and we are not destined for defeat. We have a power within us that is greater than any challenge we may face.
The apostle Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 4:7-10 that we carry a precious treasure within our earthen vessels - the power of God Himself. This divine strength enables us to endure hardships without being crushed, to face confusion without falling into despair, to withstand persecution without feeling abandoned, and to rise again even when we've been knocked down.
Consider the woman with the issue of blood, whose story is recounted in Luke 8:43-48. For twelve long years, she suffered from continuous bleeding, spending all she had on physicians who could not cure her. Yet, in a moment of desperation and faith, she pressed through the crowd to touch the hem of Jesus' garment. Her persistence and belief led to an immediate healing, showcasing the power of pressing through obstacles to reach our miracle.
This woman's journey teaches us valuable lessons about overcoming challenges:
1. Persistence in the face of long-standing issues
2. Faith that reaches out even when circumstances seem hopeless
3. Courage to press through crowds of opposition and doubt
4. Willingness to be vulnerable and share our struggles
In our own lives, we often face crowds that threaten to hold us back from our breakthroughs. These may be crowds of circumstances, opposition, unbelief, depression, or even our own desires and self-pity. Like the woman with the issue of blood, we must press through these crowds, reaching out in faith to touch the power of God in our lives.
The Bible is replete with examples of individuals who pressed through seemingly impossible circumstances to achieve victory:
Job endured unimaginable suffering, losing his children, wealth, and health. Despite the accusations of his friends and the advice to curse God and die, Job persevered in his faith.
Joseph rose above betrayal by his brothers, slavery, and unjust imprisonment to become second-in-command in Egypt, ultimately saving his family and nation from famine.
Moses led a rebellious people through the wilderness for 40 years, facing constant complaints and opposition, yet remained faithful to God's commands.
David overcame threats from King Saul, betrayal by allies, and personal failures to become a revered king and a man after God's own heart.
Esther courageously faced the threat of genocide against her people, using her position and faith to secure their safety.
Daniel remained steadfast in his faith despite captivity in Babylon, threats from rivals, and even being thrown into a den of lions.
Paul endured relentless persecution, including attempts on his life, yet remained dedicated to spreading the Gospel.
These biblical heroes remind us that we're not alone in facing trials. They show us that with faith, perseverance, and reliance on God, we can overcome any obstacle.
Revelation 12:11 tells us that we overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. This powerful combination - the redemptive work of Christ and our own experiences of His faithfulness - equips us to face any challenge. The same power that raised Christ from the dead is available to us who believe (Ephesians 1:18-23). This truth should fill us with confidence as we confront life's difficulties.
As we navigate our personal battles, it's crucial to maintain a perspective of victory. Instead of asking, "Why is this happening to me?" we should reframe our thinking to "Why is this happening for me?" This shift in mindset allows us to see challenges as opportunities for growth and divine intervention rather than mere obstacles.
We must also be mindful of the power of our words. The tongue, though small, can set great things in motion - both positive and negative. We need to guard our hearts and our speech, ensuring that we speak life and encouragement to ourselves and others. Our words should align with God's truth about who we are: fearfully and wonderfully made, more than conquerors, the head and not the tail.
In our journey towards victory, we must press toward the mark, as Paul exhorts in Philippians 3:14. This applies not only to our ultimate heavenly prize but also to every challenge we face in life. We must adopt the mentality that "quitters never win, and winners never quit."
Remember, you are uniquely designed by the Creator of the universe. You carry within you the power to overcome any obstacle. No matter how you feel about yourself or how others perceive you, if you have faith in Christ, you are more than a conqueror.
As you face your personal battles, see your victory through God's eyes. Rise up with a voice of victory, pressing through whatever circumstances are trying to hold you back. Whether you're dealing with emotional turmoil, financial struggles, health issues, or relational conflicts, press through. Your breakthrough is on the other side of your perseverance.
In conclusion, life will always present challenges, but it's how we respond to them that defines our journey. We have the power within us to press through to victory. By holding onto faith, speaking words of life, and persevering through obstacles, we can overcome any challenge that comes our way. Remember, you are not alone in your struggles, and you have been equipped with divine strength to emerge victorious. So press on, keep pushing forward, and never give up - your victory awaits!
Overcoming Life's Challenges
Life often presents us with obstacles that seem insurmountable. We face troubles from every direction, feeling confused, persecuted, and sometimes even knocked down. But in these moments, we must remember that we are not alone, and we are not destined for defeat. We have a power within us that is greater than any challenge we may face.
The apostle Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 4:7-10 that we carry a precious treasure within our earthen vessels - the power of God Himself. This divine strength enables us to endure hardships without being crushed, to face confusion without falling into despair, to withstand persecution without feeling abandoned, and to rise again even when we've been knocked down.
Consider the woman with the issue of blood, whose story is recounted in Luke 8:43-48. For twelve long years, she suffered from continuous bleeding, spending all she had on physicians who could not cure her. Yet, in a moment of desperation and faith, she pressed through the crowd to touch the hem of Jesus' garment. Her persistence and belief led to an immediate healing, showcasing the power of pressing through obstacles to reach our miracle.
This woman's journey teaches us valuable lessons about overcoming challenges:
1. Persistence in the face of long-standing issues
2. Faith that reaches out even when circumstances seem hopeless
3. Courage to press through crowds of opposition and doubt
4. Willingness to be vulnerable and share our struggles
In our own lives, we often face crowds that threaten to hold us back from our breakthroughs. These may be crowds of circumstances, opposition, unbelief, depression, or even our own desires and self-pity. Like the woman with the issue of blood, we must press through these crowds, reaching out in faith to touch the power of God in our lives.
The Bible is replete with examples of individuals who pressed through seemingly impossible circumstances to achieve victory:
Job endured unimaginable suffering, losing his children, wealth, and health. Despite the accusations of his friends and the advice to curse God and die, Job persevered in his faith.
Joseph rose above betrayal by his brothers, slavery, and unjust imprisonment to become second-in-command in Egypt, ultimately saving his family and nation from famine.
Moses led a rebellious people through the wilderness for 40 years, facing constant complaints and opposition, yet remained faithful to God's commands.
David overcame threats from King Saul, betrayal by allies, and personal failures to become a revered king and a man after God's own heart.
Esther courageously faced the threat of genocide against her people, using her position and faith to secure their safety.
Daniel remained steadfast in his faith despite captivity in Babylon, threats from rivals, and even being thrown into a den of lions.
Paul endured relentless persecution, including attempts on his life, yet remained dedicated to spreading the Gospel.
These biblical heroes remind us that we're not alone in facing trials. They show us that with faith, perseverance, and reliance on God, we can overcome any obstacle.
Revelation 12:11 tells us that we overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. This powerful combination - the redemptive work of Christ and our own experiences of His faithfulness - equips us to face any challenge. The same power that raised Christ from the dead is available to us who believe (Ephesians 1:18-23). This truth should fill us with confidence as we confront life's difficulties.
As we navigate our personal battles, it's crucial to maintain a perspective of victory. Instead of asking, "Why is this happening to me?" we should reframe our thinking to "Why is this happening for me?" This shift in mindset allows us to see challenges as opportunities for growth and divine intervention rather than mere obstacles.
We must also be mindful of the power of our words. The tongue, though small, can set great things in motion - both positive and negative. We need to guard our hearts and our speech, ensuring that we speak life and encouragement to ourselves and others. Our words should align with God's truth about who we are: fearfully and wonderfully made, more than conquerors, the head and not the tail.
In our journey towards victory, we must press toward the mark, as Paul exhorts in Philippians 3:14. This applies not only to our ultimate heavenly prize but also to every challenge we face in life. We must adopt the mentality that "quitters never win, and winners never quit."
Remember, you are uniquely designed by the Creator of the universe. You carry within you the power to overcome any obstacle. No matter how you feel about yourself or how others perceive you, if you have faith in Christ, you are more than a conqueror.
As you face your personal battles, see your victory through God's eyes. Rise up with a voice of victory, pressing through whatever circumstances are trying to hold you back. Whether you're dealing with emotional turmoil, financial struggles, health issues, or relational conflicts, press through. Your breakthrough is on the other side of your perseverance.
In conclusion, life will always present challenges, but it's how we respond to them that defines our journey. We have the power within us to press through to victory. By holding onto faith, speaking words of life, and persevering through obstacles, we can overcome any challenge that comes our way. Remember, you are not alone in your struggles, and you have been equipped with divine strength to emerge victorious. So press on, keep pushing forward, and never give up - your victory awaits!
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