Living Victoriously When Life Is Difficult

“My faith is strong, my faith is unwavering and my vision is clear. My purpose will not be denied.”~ Teddy Bridgewater (quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings)

Let’s face it, life is hard. There’s always some struggle to deal with it. It can be a big disappointment, like tearing your ACL right before your football season begins, or it can be challenges with sadness, anxiety, worry or fear. Although we all face trials to varying degrees, living victoriously through them is possible.

Even the Bible, in Psalm 90:10 makes this point: “Seventy years are given to us! Some even live to eighty. But even the best years are filled with pain and trouble…” You don’t have to, however, let a season of anguish leave you feeling defeated.

You can rise above your trials and live triumphantly.

I’m sure you’ve heard the expression, “is the glass half empty or half full?” What this teaches is that some people have the tendency to see life optimistically (half full), while others see it pessimistically (half empty). Depending on your personality, you will respond to the challenges in life peacefully or with resistance. What it comes down to is your attitude and the foundation you are standing on (see Matthew 7:24-27).

Facing your battles with bold faith and a confident attitude is God’s way to win.

I used to be a pessimist. My first response to every difficult situation was negative. I would automatically think of the worse case scenario. Although it’s still hard for me, I am learning to live as a conqueror. No matter what you are dealing with right now, you too can live victoriously. Here’s some tips on how to do so:

1. Be aware of your thoughts and accept that God is in control.

One of the first things you can do when you’re going through a difficult season is to adjust your perspective and purposefully take on God’s. I call this “putting on your God goggles.” Try to see your situation out of His viewpoint. Ask yourself is God trying to teach you something, or refining your character in some way?

Recognize that when “bad” things happen, it isn’t always from God. I feel sad when I hear people blaming God for their struggles. Usually our difficulties stem from the sin that’s in this fallen world. Having said this, that doesn’t mean you just lay down and accept your trial. It does, however, mean surrendering it to God and seeking Him on what He may be trying to show you.

For example, the other day I twisted my ankle. I was so upset, not only because it hurt but also because I knew this was going to mean I would have to change some of the plans I had for the few days following my injury. Instead of reacting negatively, I quickly told myself, “it’s okay Tweeny. Maybe God wants you to be still in the days ahead.” Positive, reassuring self talk like this helped me to let go of my frustration and believe that God was still in charge.

The enemy may mean to harm you, but God is still the great Victor.

I love what author Max Lucado says: “In God’s hands intended evil becomes eventual good.” This is so true. What the enemy uses to harm you with, God (if you let Him) can use for good in your life (Romans 8:28).

Believe that God is Sovereign and, therefore, in control.

2. Take a War Room stance and become a prayer warrior!

I hope you’ve had the chance to watch the movie “War Room.” This is an influential movie displaying the power of prayer. As a Christian, your prayer life is the greatest weapon you have to fight your daily struggles.

God hears your prayers.

Pray by faith, believing that God hears you. In Jeremiah 33:3, God reassures you that He will answer your prayers: “Ask me and I will tell you…” I encourage you to pray very specific prayers. Be humble in your asking, but be bold. You have nothing to lose by asking. The answer is ultimately up to the Lord. He can answer with either a “yes,” “no,” or “wait.” Simply do your part, and trust God to do His.

3. Remember who you are in Christ and Who you belong to.

In her book “Your Powerful Prayers,” Susie Larson says, “The truth of the matter is, as heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, we have certain privileges. We have His presence, His promises, and His power.”  As a follower of Christ’s, His power lives inside of you. His promises are written for you, and His presence is always with you. Click here to read my blog on learning who you are in Christ.

Understanding that you are a child of God and adopted into His family is critical to living a life of victory.

Romans 8:14-17 tells us that if you have given your heart to Jesus Christ, God has adopted you in to His family as His child. This means that you have the power and wisdom of the Holy Spirit living inside of you. Since you belong to God, you have authority through your Heavenly Father who loves you and wants the best for you.

Yes, life is hard and you will face problems. These trials, however, remind us of our need for a savior. It is your difficulties that give you the opportunity to become a mighty warrior for Christ and His kingdom. Your struggles stretch you in order to teach you how potentially strong you can be with Jesus by your side.

Praising God in good times is easy to do, but it’s in those long dark season when the world seems to come crashing in on you that your faith will be the most tested. When you’re at your lowest the enemy of your soul will whisper lies about you, God and your destiny. It’s in those very moments, however, that you have an opportunity to honor God by choosing to stand strong and confident in Christ. When you do this, it’s like you are roaring in the enemy’s face,  “you can’t touch me. I am more than a conqueror in Christ Jesus!” This is your moment of victory. Now you are living a victorious life despite your circumstances.

Whatever burden you’re carrying today, may your faith be unwavering, determined, and focused on Jesus. Make a firm decision to stay rooted in God’s plans for you so that your purpose will not be denied.

“No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.” ~ Romans 8:37