"I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the
beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked
one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father. I
have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the
beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the
word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one."
1 John 2:13-14
You do not have to invest hours of research to know that our
society has major problems. The Christian principles that undergirded the
foundation of our nation are being destroyed at a rapid place and replaced with
a hostility that we have never seen in our country. As a result, some believers
are discouraged. Their lives are characterized by a worry about the future and
a fear of what may happen. That is not the way God intends for us to live. He
wants us to not only be confident but to encourage others as well.
President Dwight Eisenhower, who commanded the Allied armies
in Europe during World War II said, “Optimism and pessimism are infectious, and
they spread more rapidly from the head downward than in any other direction.
Optimism has a most extraordinary effect upon all with whom the commander comes
in contact. With this clear realization, I firmly determined that my mannerisms
and speech in public would always reflect the cheerful certainty of
victory—that any pessimism and discouragement I might ever feel would be
reserved for my pillow.”
Each of us influences others daily, and we should make sure
that our influence is a positive one. God does not promise us calm and peaceful
lives in the absence of persecution, but He does promise that we will be
victorious. His power is the guarantee of our triumph over the world.
Growth Point:
Live each day with confidence in the ultimate victory
that God has promised in His Word.
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