Romans 8:37

"Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us." (ASV)

It is easy to look at the Christian life and see struggle and hardship. It's easy to see persecution and pain. But we who follow the Lord know that this is only one temporary facet of our walk.

Ultimately the Christian life is about Victory. Earlier in this same chapter, Paul proclaims "If God is for us, who is against us?" (Romans 8:31b ASV) Who indeed can stand in the face of Him who conquered even death for our sake? Who can hope to harm those who God has called to be His own?

Time after time throughout His earthly ministry, Christ told His followers to "fear not." When the seas roared around them and the disciples were certain their boat would not reach the shore, Christ's response was clear: "And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm." (Matthew 8:26 ASV)

When a man came to Jesus, asking Him to heal his daughter who had already passed into death, "But Jesus, not heeding the word spoken, saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Fear not, only believe." (Mark 5:36 ASV)

When He was preparing Himself for death on the cross, He had these kind words for His followers: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful." (John 14:27 ASV)

Finally, when he had been crucified, when He had passed through hell and conquered death itself, "Then saith Jesus unto them, Fear not: go tell my brethren that they depart into Galilee, and there shall they see me." (Matthew 28:9-11 ASV)

We serve a Lord who has power over the weather, the waves and death itself. We serve a risen God who has passed through pain, suffering, torment and death and returned with words of peace on His lips. What then do we have to fear?

The next time you begin to feel fear gripping your heart, take charge of it. Don’t let it conquer you and hold you in its bondage! Remember instead Who you serve and Who you belong to. Remember the victory that is already yours in Christ’s precious and holy blood and know that we Christians are not a conquered people, but a Heavenly nation of conquerors!