I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence.  In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]!  For I have overcome the world.  [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]  [John 16:33]

Now isn’t that some good news?  It’s almost ‘nurturing’!

I don’t know about you, but it seems like the harder I try and the more I attempt to accomplish - the more life sucker punches me!  The more I try to do for others, the more I try to give and be selfless in my actions – the more obstacles I have to face [and overcome].

Sometimes it’s hard to remember that we aren’t alone - that God has already conquered the evil and hatred and spitefulness and malice that come along like a smack in the face!

When something is hard, or when you have to work a little more diligently, a lot of people will try to tell you that God is trying to deter you.  (You can’t possibly excel in this world under the assumption that all things from God are easy and without resistance!)

That just is not the case.

Personally, I believe that ALL grief, shame, lack of self-confidence and hopelessness come from the enemy - originally.  Occasionally, yes, God will filter these trials  and use them to teach us something.  But overall, He is a loving, kind Father and wouldn’t purposely inject our lives with these burdens and impossibilities!

When we are attempting to do something noble, significant - something that can only bring glory to God, the enemy is going to challenge us to the point of pure confusion and desperation.  He will do everything possible to keep us from blessing others and glorifying God.

Our Father is not cruel or calculating.  He doesn’t put dreams and visions in our hearts just to make them impossible to achieve.  In the same respect however, it’s our duty to do our part.  We have to put forth an effort, apply ourselves, use common sense, go the extra mile and be shining examples of God’s love.  We need to retain our joy and light - even when the circumstances seem impossible!

Be prayerful, faithful, dedicated, mindful and believe in the One who gave His life so that you could be saved and live a glorious life in His name – in spite of yourself!

Greater is He who is IN you …

Little children, you are of God [you belong to Him] and have [already] defeated and overcome them [the agents of the antichrist], because He Who lives in you is greater (mightier) than he who is in the world.  [I John 4:4]  (Amplified)

Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.  [I John 4:4]  (KJV)

Little children, you belong to God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.  [I John 4:4]  (ISV)