Tag Archives: victory in Christ

Council for the Tempted

One of the ploys of the devil is to make people think that they are all alone, with nobody who truly understands their situation.  Those who fall prey to this mentality often leads to isolation, causing struggling people to feel abandoned by God.  This lie blinds many from the reality that there is council for the tempted.

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin, Hebrews 4:15.

According to the author of Hebrews, there is one person who is able to empathize with our weaknesses.  Yet, despite enduring the same temptations common to mankind, Jesus did not sin.  Thus, there is a reliable individual who can relate to the human race.  Therefore, when you are on the verge of giving in, fix your eyes on Jesus.

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it, 1 Corinthians 10:13.

The apostle Paul discovered that there is a way out of every temptation.  Its unclear whether the Holy Spirit or Jesus himself revealed this information.  Nonetheless, for those of you facing extreme situations, these words are helpful council for the tempted.  Therefore, the next time you consider giving in, ask the Holy Spirit to show you the way out.  This bit of advice will provide the defeated with direction toward victory in Christ.

by Jay Mankus

About to Pass You By

Anyone who is fixated on their circumstances, may miss someone or something that God wants you to see.  Blind spots don’t just occur on car mirrors, individuals can get so entrenched in their own lives that time can pass you by.  If you’re not careful, you might wake up one morning and most of your life is gone.

He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. Shortly before dawn he went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them, Mark 6:48.

Jesus tried to teach his disciples a similar lesson following the feeding of the 5000 in Mark 6.  Sending them ahead in a boat, Jesus stayed back to pray on a mountainside.  I’m not sure why he walked on the water, but it appears God wanted His son to do so, serving as an abstract lesson.  Although the sun had not risen yet, moonlight provided Jesus with light to see his way.  About to pass their boat by, the disciples finally recognized him, causing a stir of emotions.

But when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost. They cried out, because they all saw him and were terrified. Immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” – Mark 6:49-50

If Jesus could feed a crowd of 5,000, walking on water shouldn’t have been a surprise to his disciples.  Nonetheless, people limit God’s power, surprised by answered prayers and miracles.  Perhaps so many walk around defeated, they don’t know what its like to experience victory in Christ.  Doubt, failure and misery can promote a sense of hopelessness that lingers. Therefore, if you feel like time is about to pass you by without tasting success, take courage, don’t be afraid and believe in the power of the resurrection to transform your situation.

by Jay Mankus