“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”

1 John 4:4 NIV

The bible tells us that we will have trouble in this world…and it states clearly that we can persevere through trials and temptations.  The bible also gives us examples of others who lived and suffered and how they interacted with God and lived their lives with faith.  At times it wasn’t pretty, they didn’t live lives that were sweet and easy all the time.  Read about Abraham and Sarah, read about Joseph in Genesis.  Look through the pages of David’s life in 1 Samuel.  Take time to read about the life of Jesus.  Yes, there are struggles, trials and suffering and living a life of faith and in God’s love doesn’t mean these will disappear…what it does mean is you will receive the courage and the hope to get through the difficult times.  Do not be overcome by darkness and evil look to God, pray and you will see hope.  Amen.

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

Romans 12:21 NIV

(This photo was taken in August of 2016 in Mount Rainier National Park in Washington)