Devotionals for the Heart: True peace and security comes from God

How to Overcome the World
A devotional by Chaplain Paul Anderson

“For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” –1 John 5:4-5 (ESV)

When I was growing up and living with my parents, saying grace at mealtimes, evening worship and going to church were essential parts of the family ritual. One of the hymns that was a staple in those moments was “Blessed Assurance”.

I did not fully comprehend being saved, at that time. I equated “Blessed Assurance” with security. I equated the ability to run fast and fight with a sense of personal and physical security. Those attributes did boost my confidence, but they did not bring the internal security that I anticipated. I was aiming at the wrong target and pursuing the wrong things.

While reading the Bible one morning, I stumbled into a text that gave me an epiphany. 1 John 5:4-5 (ESV) pierced my perspectives on peace, security and assurance. It reads, “For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?”

I remembered the confident assurance in Romans 8:37-39 that nothing could separate us from the love of God. I remembered the verse in Romans 10:9 (ESV) that says “if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” 1 Corinthians 6:14 resonated through my being in a new way. “And God raised the Lord and will also raise us up by his power.” The inference is that God is with us no matter what. That was the blessed assurance!

No matter what happens around us, to us, for us or with us, we can overcome the world (Romans 12:21)! Overcoming adversities defines a victor. That means that our lusts, addictions, bad habits, challenges and flaws could be overcome. When we fall short of God’s ideal, but we have faith in Jesus Christ, God will restore, renew and strengthen us. Our weaknesses become steps to victory. Our failings insure humility in preparation for the exaltations of the sanctified life.

We are safe in our success and even in the darkest seasons of our lives. As we overcome the struggles, we will rise into new horizons of faith and performance. Victorious living is not limited to the eternity after the second coming. Victory is ours today! Overcoming challenges forges stronger faith. Do not shirk from the obstacles that you may face. God is with you, no matter what! Confront all of the obstacles in your life with faith that you will succeed.

Please embrace this new year confidently, no matter what happens. Plan to plow through it with the assurance that you can overcome any challenges and thrive. God is with you, no matter what! Affirm your sense of being with the assurance of salvation. Let that confidence ripple through your daily performance, no matter what!

Practice articulating the words confirming your belief in Jesus as the Son of God who is alive.

Stay hopeful. Practice optimism. Employ enthusiasm and grind toward your goals. Complete the degree. Finish that project. Take that leap of faith and grow through your quests, no matter what!

Let’s Pray: 

Dear God,

 

Thank You for authoring eternity and our roles within it.

As with the prophet Jeremiah, fulfill in our lifetimes the thoughts that You have for us. Give us assurance and confidence that You will never leave us nor forsake us. 

Sanctify the impetus within us to be more like You and do more of the things that You did. Grow our faith and trust in You. Help us to light the paths of others and lead them to You.

In Jesus’s Name I pray. 

Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Blessed Assurance” (song) by CeCe Winans. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Chaplain Paul Anderson served for 20 years as a U.S. Navy Chaplain. Over 26 years of active duty, he was promoted through the ranks from Seaman Apprentice (E2) to his final rank as Commander (O5) in the Chaplain’s Corps. 

Prior to his Naval career, Chaplain Anderson pastored in the Allegheny East and Potomac Conferences of Seventh-day Adventists. His undergraduate preparation for ministry was completed at Washington Adventist University in Takoma Park, Md.

He has subsequently earned four graduate degrees: a Master of Divinity from Andrews University in Michigan, a Master of Education in Counseling and Personnel Services from the University of Maryland in College Park, Maryland and a Masters of Sacred Theology in Religion and Culture from Boston University. His Doctor of Ministry degree was conferred by Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C.

Chaplain Anderson also completed four units of Clinical Pastoral Education at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. He also holds certifications in Suicide Awareness and Prevention, Civil Mediation, Alternative Workplace Dispute Resolution, Temperament Analysis, Marriage Enrichment, Workforce Diversity, and is a certified Life Coach.

You may connect with Chaplain Anderson via email at this address, psanderson75@gmail.com.