For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that overcomes the world, our faith.
Who is it that overcomes the world but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
1 John 5:4-5
Easter marks the victory of Jesus over death and sin. Since we are baptised in the name of Jesus, we too share in this victory.
Very often, we forget that Christians are to live a life of power and victory. And as John said in his first letter, our faith overcomes the world. Those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God overcomes the world.
Often times, we are faced with difficulties. Temptations come our way. Persecutions, fears and doubts creep into our system. Yet, if we believe in Jesus, these will all fade away because Jesus has won for us victory over all of these.
In one of her books, St. Teresa of Avila mentioned that many people went to her, asking their convent to pray for money or for a source of income. Although she agrees to do this, she said that she doubts if God does hear these prayers. She also wished that people will instead pray that they will be able to trample on their feet these fears.
She also said that those who really love the Lord do not really tell the Lord what to do. Instead, they gently hint to the Lord what they need. Like Mary at the wedding at Cana, she told Jesus the need (They have no more wine) rather than what he had to do.
Fears and doubts should be a common occurence in our faith. (St. John of the Cross said that if we are sure of something, then we have to be afraid because very often, that is the work of the enemy). When faced with situations that are larger than we are, we tend to cower in fear and do not know what to do. Yet as St. Teresa said, we should instead pray that we will be able to trample these fears under our feet. This is what we should pray for - to be able to win over whatever assails us at any given time.
As children of God, we have the right not only to ask God for something, but we have the right to be heard. And if we pray for victory over what assails us, God will surely hear and answer our prayers. But be very sure that you want this because God will surely answer your prayers in a way you MIGHT not expect nor like.
This Easter then, let us remember the inheritance God gave us - the inheritance given to us through the merits of Jesus and not through any thing we have done. What do you need to conquer at this point in your life?
Is there a fear that is troubling you? Is there a bad habit that enslaves you? Take them to Jesus and ask God to allow you to trample these under your feet.
Our Lord is Victorious! We too are victorious in Jesus!
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