Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? —1 John 5:5
To be an overcomer implies that there is a struggle or hard times. In those moments, often what keeps us going and encourages us to take the next step is a promise, something to look forward to.
What motivated Zechariah and Elizabeth in Luke 1 to keep praying for a child for so many years? The promise that God heard them and that He would respond to their cries.
Elizabeth stands as an example of what it looks like to remain faithful and, ultimately, to overcome. Despite disappointments and heartaches, setbacks and opposition, all believers are ultimately overcomers.
Elizabeth certainly could have lost hope in the middle of her story. As we face disappointments, we face a temptation to lose hope as well. But we must keep reading to the end, because that’s what gets us through the intermediate chapters, which are often full of hardship and tears, travail and labor, pain and suffering. Look to the end of the story, and let your heart be encouraged.
Make it Personal
Spend some time meditating on the promises of God in Scripture today. How do they motivate you to keep going despite hardships?