1 John 5:4 ‘For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.’

DAILY READING; 3 John 1; Ezra 7-8; Psalm 94

Maryam Rostampour and Marziyeh Amirizadeh, are two young women from Iran who were imprisoned for 259 days in a maximum security prison because of their faith.
They had been Moslems, but found faith in Christ at a Christian conference in Turkey in 2005.
Afterwards, they became close friends and resolved to go back to Iran to share the Gospel with their people. However, while in Iran, they had to secretly practice their faith because penalty for being a Christian meant imprisonment or death. They turned their home into a “house church” and at night they went through Iranian cities distributing an estimated 20,000 copies of the New Testament Bible.
However, one day, a knock at the door changed their lives drastically. Iranian government officials arrested them for preaching the Gospel and threw them into one of Iran’s worst prisons- Tehran’s Evin prison. There, they were forced to sleep on the floor in a room with about 40 other prisoners. Prison officials regarded them as “dirty infidels” and treated them like animals. They were asked repeatedly to deny their Christian faith, or be beaten mercilessly. Yet, these two women held on to faith in God and refused to bow to the threats and intimidations. Rather they began to use the opportunity of being in jail to share the Gospel with the other women prisoners.
Their steadfast faith in God eventually prevailed in the end.
After spending 8 months in the notorious prison, their story became known to the international media, who widely reported it. Consequently, international pressure from the United Nations, Amnesty International, and other human rights groups forced Iranian government to release them in November 2009. They left Iran to live in the United States where they have continued their ministry of spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Their story of unyielding faith is contained in their book, ‘Captive in Iran’.

Often in the midst of trials, the tendency is to wonder, “Where is God”? But the Bible says God is our ever present help in the time of trouble.[Psalm 46:1-2 ].
The presence of the storm does not mean the absence of the Lord.
Right in the midst of problems, when the night appears to be darkest, through steadfast faith in Christ we will always overcome.
Despite the trials and tribulations, we will eventually emerge victorious, as we remain rooted in God’s Word.
It is the Word within us that births the faith that will cause us to triumph always. For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith(1 John 5:4).

By virtue of our birth we are world overcomers. Because the greater One is in us, we are destined to be winners in every conflict. The problems may look stern. The seas may rage and the storm may be tempestuous but in all these we are more than conquerors. Though many troubles may seek to separate us from the love of Christ, they cannot, rather they will end up as stepping stones to our greater destiny.
Therefore in every situation, let us always choose to stay strong in faith and give glory to God, because He is working behind the scenes for our good. We must abide steadfast in faith because it is the key out of seemingly impossible doors.
The outcome of every situation is determined by our level of faith. Therefore, it is wisdom to invest in our faith and keep it strong, through diligent study of the Word because faith comes by hearing God’s Word.

Colossians 3:16 says, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly” This means you soak up the Word just as a dry sponge soaks up water until you are saturated with faith..
Through faith, God will cause you to triumph over every situation. His grace will sustain you and see you through every tribulation.
Therefore today, fear not and let not your heart be troubled, for your God is faithful. Surely, He will preserve you through every storm and cause you to emerge victorious in every confrontation.

PRAYER: Lord, I thank You for granting me the strength from Your Word to stand strong in faith at all times. No matter what I may pass through, I know I am coming out stronger and better in Jesus Name.
QUOTE
There is something that God has placed within you that the world is eagerly awaiting to see. WORDBITE 222.