In the letters to the seven churches in the Book of Revelation, Jesus instructed all to overcome; and if we do, these are the promises awaiting us:
- Permission to eat from the tree of life in Paradise (Rev.2:7).
- Deliverance from the second death (Rev.2:11).
- Hidden manna to eat and a white stone with a new name written on it (Rev.2:17).
- Power over nations and the morning star (Rev.2:26-28)
- White garments, name not removed from the Book of Life, name confessed before the Father and his angels (Rev.3:5).
- Becoming a pillar in the temple of God, with the name of God, the city of God, the New Jerusalem and the new name of Jesus (Rev3:12).
- To sit with Jesus on His throne (Rev.3:21).
From these promises it is clear that the purpose of our lives here on earth is not just about being born, growing up, receiving an education, finding employment, raising a family, retiring, enjoying the golden years, struggling through old age and then death. Something more is expected from us; we are to overcome. So what is it that we are up against that we should overcome? In order to answer this question we have to go back to Genesis.
"Because you (the serpent) have done this …. I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed. And to Adam he (AHAYAH) said, 'Because you have listened to the voice of your wife….. cursed is the ground because of you; in toil you shall eat of it all the days of your life…. In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; you are dust, and to dust you shall return'" (Gen.3:14-19). As a consequence of the fall in the garden of Eden, we as the seed of Adam are up against satan and his seed, the fallen angels.
"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places" (Eph.6:12). This is a formidable enemy. The Bible describes satan as follows: "You were the signet of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty" (Eze. 28:11). We, on the other hand are described as "a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes" (Jam. 4:14). And, "For our knowledge is imperfect and our prophecy is imperfect….For now we see in a mirror dimly" (1Cor.13:9-12). Also, "For we are strangers before You, and temporary residents, as all our fathers were; our days on the earth are like a shadow, and there is no hope" (1Chr.29:15).
With the odds against us, how are we to overcome when we find ourselves within the kingdom of a fallen angel where our enemies are demons and unseen spiritual forces of darkness. Our knowledge is imperfect and our understanding of our reality is like looking at a fable in a mirror. Although our God and Creator has made great promises to us, our lives are hard with much darkness, evil, hardships and death around us.
In the next few posts I am going to reflect on faith, God's promises and obedience with the aim of shedding light on overcoming the challenges of the situation we find ourselves in. However, I would not like to leave you today thinking the battle is lost. So, until next time be encouraged by the words of Psalm 23:
"The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want; he makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul. He leads me in the paths of righteousness for his name sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of my enemies; thou anointest my head with oil, my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life; and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord for ever". Hallelujah!
Thank you Father AHAYAH for these encouraging and uplifting Words. We are comforted knowing that You love us and that You are faithful and true. Aman.