Be of Good Cheer

[Chad]

"Be of Good Cheer"
C.H. Spurgeon

In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)

My Lord's words are true as to the tribulation. I have my share of it beyond all doubt. The flail is not hung up out of the way, nor can I hope that it will be laid aside so long as I lie upon the threshing floor, How can I look to be at home in the enemy's country, joyful while in exile, or comfortable in a wilderness? This is not my rest. This is the place of the furnace, and the forge, and the hammer. My experience tallies with my Lord's words.

I note how He bids me "be of good cheer." Alas! I am far too apt to be downcast. My spirit soon sinks when I am sorely tried. But I must not give way to this feeling. When my Lord bids me cheer up I must not dare to be cast down.

What is the argument which He uses to encourage me? Why, it is His own victory. He says, "I have overcome the world." His battle was much more severe than mine. I have not yet resisted unto blood. Why do I despair of overcoming? See, my soul, the enemy has been once overcome. I fight with a beaten foe. O world, Jesus has already vanquished thee; and in me, by His grace, He will overcome thee again. Therefore am I of good cheer and sing unto my conquering Lord.

 

[Dreamer]

I needed that tonight, yes. One thing I thought of when I was walking tonight...we are never victims. Christ chose the cross; He was not a victim on the cross. We are victors, not victims, because of Jesus. We overcome only by and through Him.

Not my will, but thine, Lord.

 

[ladylovesJesus]

I think these scriptures explain it very well too.

God bless you all. :rainbow: :rose:

"...I will never leave you, nor forsake you; therefore I can boldly say, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not fear what man can do to me" (Hebrews 13:5b,6). Trials develop godly character. "...we exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character, and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us...

Jesus Christ set the perfect example. "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:3-5) These verses point out aspects of His divine purpose for both Jesus Christ's trials and tribulations, and ours. Persevering proves our faith. "I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13).

"In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which perishes, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ." The true believer should accept trials and tribulations because "You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for Gods own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light" (1 Peter 1:6, 7, 2:9). "If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you....."if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not feel ashamed, but in that name let him glorify God" (1 Peter 4:14, 16).

At the same time, we must be careful never to make excuses for our "trials and tribulations" if they are a result of our own wrong doing. "By no means let any of you suffer as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler" (1 Peter 4:15).

Trials and tribulations come with both a purpose and a reward. "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him" (James 1:2-4,12).

We have the victory. "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord, Jesus Christ." I hope that these verses will encourage you to see that although we are in a spiritual battle, Satan has no authority over the believer in Christ, unless he/she chooses to yield to him. God has given us His Word to guide us, His Holy Spirit to enable us, and the privilege of coming to Him anywhere, at any time, to pray about anything! Go for it!