REFUSE TO GIVE IN TO DEFEAT

For this I labor [often to the point of exhaustion], striving with His power and energy, which so greatly works within me. Colossians 1:29 (AMP)

How do you handle defeat?

I remember one particularly difficult year of my life that made me feel defeated. During that time, I experienced multiple death threats, an arsonist set fire to my house and my father, nephew and a few church staff members suddenly passed away. It became very easy to feel sorry for myself. But as this defeated feeling crept over me, I realized that regardless of my circumstances, I needed to choose a different attitude.

So, I started studying Bible heroes of the faith. How did these men and women rise up and lead God’s people through hard times? What steps did they take to stay strong and focused when everything was dragging them down? I couldn’t find any formula, but I did find some powerful principles. Let me share one of them with you today.

Today’s verse says God’s power is working within us. The Greek word used here is energeia, which is used to refer to God’s supernatural energy. Every day, you get to choose whether you’ll tap into this incredible power available to you.

On bad days, it feels good to give in and let people give you a sympathetic pat on the back. I’m not saying it’s wrong to have supportive friends around you. But many people are so comfortable in a feeling of defeat that they get angry at anyone who encourages them to get up and push back.

Whatever is coming against you, refuse to give in to defeat. You are designed by God to move ahead—not in your own strength but working with His supernatural energy that powers you from within!