Overcoming Obstacles

Matthew 24:13 — But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

Life is a journey with many obstacles, challenges and pains that can ultimately shape our character and guide us toward personal growth and victory.

We must learn to see the world as Christ sees it, navigate its path the way Christ navigates it, and endure to the end even as He endured to the end.

John 16:33 — These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

The path of life is a path of difficulties, many oppositions, contradictions, exploitation and persecution. We often feel burdened, distressed and weary with struggles and toils. For us to endure to the end and finally be overcomers, mustering great strength and firm determination will be the first duty.

What it means to overcome

The word “overcome” is used multiple times in the New Testament. It means to defeat evil, bad habits, adversities, problems, enemies, negative emotions and the like.

Humanity has many obstacles to overcome, including the dreaded “mark of the beast.” To overcome these challenges, it will take great courage, resolve, strength of character and firm determination.

A diagram of what overcoming will require — great courage, resolve, strength of character, and firm determination. — **The cost of standing** None of the four is given in the hour of trial. Each is built before it.

According to inspirational insights, “Times that will try men’s souls are just before us, and those who are weak in the faith will not stand the test of those days of peril. The great truths of revelation are to be carefully studied, for we shall all want an intelligent knowledge of the word of God. By Bible study and daily communion with Christ we shall gain clear, well-defined views of individual responsibility and strength to stand in the day of trial and temptation. He whose life is united to Christ by hidden links will be kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.” (5 Testimonies page 273, paragraph 1)

The scenes about to envelop the world

The most catastrophic and devastating scenes are about to envelop the world. Every human being will see and feel the effects of these unprecedented scenes.

The Bible warns us of the great time of trouble that the earth has never experienced before.

During this time of trouble and global upheavals, God’s people will have to endure and overcome many obstacles. They will have to prevail against many opponents and difficult problems.

None but those who have fortified the mind with the truths of the Bible will stand through the last great conflict. (GC p.594)

John 16:33 — 'In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world' — set on a plain dark panel — **Be of good cheer** The tribulation is promised in the same breath as the victory over it.

The searching test

To every soul will come the searching test: shall I obey God rather than man?

The decisive hour is even now at hand, and there is an important question for everyone to answer. Are my feet planted on the rock of God’s immutable word?

Am I prepared to stand firm in defence of the commandments of God and the faith of Christ?

A diagram of the three questions of the searching test — shall I obey God rather than man, are my feet planted on the rock of God's immutable word, and am I prepared to stand for the commandments of God and the faith of Christ. — **Three questions to answer now** They are not asked in the day of trial. They are asked before it.

John 16:33 — These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

The only security and safe defence is in Christ our Awesome Redeemer — the Lion of the tribe of Judah, who shall break every chain and give His people victory.

The study continues. Overcoming Obstacles: Part Two takes up what Scripture names to overcome — sin, the world, the mark of the beast — and the tree of life promised to the one who does. Part Three turns to Romans 5:20 and the promise of Revelation 2:11, that the overcomer shall not be hurt of the second death, and Part Four takes up Revelation 2:17 — the hidden manna, the white stone and the new name.

Part Five takes up Revelation 2:26-28 — power over the nations, and the morning star; and Part Six turns to Revelation 3:5 — the white raiment, and the name confessed before the Father; and Part Seven takes up Revelation 3:12 — the pillar in the temple, and the three names written on the overcomer.

If this study has raised something you would like to talk through, the team reads every message: ask a Bible question, or send a prayer request.

To go further on the time of trouble this article points to, Time Shall Be No More takes up the close of probation, and the Three Angels’ Messages set out the final warning — including the mark of the beast named above.

On the building of character that overcoming requires, the Growing Stronger series works through the four dimensions of Luke 2:52, and Inspecting Your House turns the same searching questions inward.