Bible Study Notes

To say that life can sometimes be challenging is an understatement. One day everything can be fine, and the next, we’re blindsided by some trouble or adversity we never saw coming. We’re living in what the Bible calls one of the most dangerous and difficult times. As believers on a spiritual journey, our walk will ultimately end in victory; however, it won’t be easy.

Challenges in the Future

Unexpected situations can develop anywhere, whether in the economy, wars and conflicts overseas, crime in our surrounding neighborhoods, or even issues in our own families. However, in all this, we win. In the spiritual battles we fight, the deciding factor that tips the balance in our favor is God’s Word. It tells us the ending of the very rocky and scary road ahead.

It’s hypocritical to say that there aren’t any battles in life; living long enough shows us that we’ll always face obstacles and challenges. The body of Christ needs to prepare for great trials and tests so that we won’t be taken by surprise when they occur. Life’s battles are real, but our victories in them are also real.

We can never know ahead of time when a situation will develop. “People can never predict when hard times might come. Like fish in a net or birds in a trap, people are caught by sudden tragedy” (Ecclesiastes 9:12, NLT). None of this is new to us, but believers have to understand that adversity is part of our Christian lives. It doesn’t mean we’ve done anything wrong.

God Has Given Us What We Need to Win

Thankfully, we’ve been equipped with some powerful weapons to help us triumph against whatever happens in life. Using these weapons involves standing in faith while under pressure. God warns us that we’ll face adversity, but adds that it won’t have power over us. He also protects our peace of mind by reassuring us of His part in our victory. “‘I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.’ [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding]” (John 16:33, AMP). 

Jesus said this to His disciples knowing of the persecution they would encounter while living as His followers; this applies to us as well. Despite the “tribulation and distress and suffering,” we win because He already accomplished the victory over everything that we’re dealing with. Jesus has already run to the end of the race and seen the end of the story; He has already accomplished His conquest. Our victory is lasting and permanent when we have faith in this truth.

This knowledge gives us real power on the spiritual level. Things will happen in life; we don’t have to act like an issue doesn’t exist or that we’re not hurting. It’s okay to acknowledge that what we’re going through is causing us real pain, but it will pass. The battle is temporary; triumph is eternal. Our restoration, our wholeness, our deliverance, and our healing are just ahead and around the corner.

We Have a Supernatural Advantage in the Fight

We can be just like Elijah who outran a chariot because God gave him supernatural speed; God gives us supernatural strength to outlast the situation when our own strength isn’t enough. Relying on Him gives us the win over hardships and difficulties. We can’t do it by ourselves, only by trusting in the power of God and using what He gave us before the battle. “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 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. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:10-17).  There’s a lot to be said for standing firmly in faith.  

As God’s righteous children, we can expect persecution from the devil. He’ll oppose us at every step; that’s just the way he is. He does his best to trip us up, but the enemy is no match for the Lord God. “Many hardships and perplexing circumstances confront the righteous, But the Lord rescues him from them all” (Psalm 34:19, AMP). Jesus Himself has already provided deliverance; we therefore mustn’t throw in the towel, cave in, or quit.

Hard-Fought Victory on the Spiritual Level is Ours

There will be times when we’ve done all we could and still nothing changed. Something will always face us that we can’t handle through our self-efforts. In these situations, God makes a way where there is no way. When the last wall crumbles and the barrier is removed, all we’ll be able to do is acknowledge that this is the Lord’s doing, and it’s marvelous in our eyes (Psalm 118:23).

When crazy things happen, we shouldn’t be surprised. “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal which is taking place to test you [that is, to test the quality of your faith], as though something strange or unusual were happening to you” (1 Peter 4:12, AMP). We know what we got ourselves into when we were born again. However, we must remind ourselves that despite what it looks like, God is still on the job and simply working behind the scenes. Clinging to our trust in the victory already obtained for us is the game-changer.