To face the challenges of life, we must know who we are!

“For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.” Romans 8:29-30

Irving Berlin, an American Composer, and lyricist who is widely considered one of the greatest songwriters in American history according to Wikipedia said, “Life is 10 percent what you make it and 90 percent how you take it.”

It is a true statement that our attitude to life can make or break us. Charles Swindoll, a well-known Bible teacher of our lifetime made this statement. He said, “the longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts…. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude… I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it.”

To face life challenges victoriously we need to know who we are first. Without proper knowledge of ourselves, it is hard to attain and sustain victory in our life. I believe the absence of real awareness of who we are is the biggest epidemic that affects Christians in these last days. God wants us to know for sure and certain who we really are and then reckon this truth on an ongoing basis while we live here. This is why in Paul’s epistles, he typically starts with who we are in Christ and then he moves to the practical application of how we can be successful in life’s challenges. Ephesians, Colossians, etc. are classic examples of this approach. Without reckoning the truth of who we are, no practical life is possible.

Our today’s insight tells us God has already made the final and unalterable decision regarding the lives of believers in Jesus Christ. No matter what happens in our life here on this planet earth, He already decreed our final victory. It says, “and we know that all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” This is the first part. Did you read it well? Paul says no doubt about this – we know for sure that all things (good and bad), God goes to work for the ultimate good of those who love the Lord. Don’t you know, you believed in Jesus Christ is not an accidental matter? The next verse says in His foreknowledge He predestined you to believe in Jesus and become his child. What has He predestined us for? Read slowly. It says “predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son,” Christ Jesus. Thru it all (good things, bad things, painful things, and all) we are being shaped and formed by God to look like Jesus Christ. You see that is the ultimate purpose of all things that happen to our life. A believer in Christ who loves the Lord, there is no defeat or failure ultimately. No need to look at life negatively and fearfully. God knew all in advance what is going to happen in your life. No matter what going to happen, who going to do what in your life, according to our today’s insight, God already decreed by His predestination on you that you will have the final victory. Beloved, God works all for the good for you. This is the guaranty of the eternal, everlasting Word of God.

Beloved, if you know this truth in your heart, then you will develop a conquering and victorious attitude toward life in the midst of all that life, people, circumstances, and the devil throw at you. You may be facing heartbreaking issues in life which include financial, relational, job-related, and health. However, God knows all about it in His foreknowledge when He predestined, called, justified, and glorified you and He is going to work all issues to mold, shape, and form you into the image of His Son, Jesus Christ.
Then it says, “And those He predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.” You see all these are done deals. Therefore face life with a smile no matter what. He predestined you before the foundation of the world. He called you in time when you heard the Gospel of Christ, because you accepted Christ Jesus, now you are justified in front of the holy God. Moreover, you are also glorified. Did you notice all these are past tense words? Predestined, called, justified, and glorified. In God’s eyes, a believer who trusted Christ Jesus as his or her savior and loves Him is already glorified in heaven. You see we look forward to our glorification because we are bound by time. However, the eternal God who is not bound by time sees all these are already done and He is waiting for your arrival in glory.  May praise, thanks, and worship break in our hearts. Bow down, thank and worship Him.

Dear friend, if you have not accepted Christ as your savior yet, God calls you to accept His Son, Jesus Christ into your life today. Jesus died, buried, and then rose again for all of your sins. Bible says there is no exception all humans are sinners. We need a savior for the forgiveness of sins, God’s blessings, and eternal life. That savior is Jesus Christ. No one is out there to save you entirely except Christ. God calls you now just like He called me about 40 years ago. I will help you to respond to His call.

Beloved, Pray after me. “Father in heaven, I accept Jesus Christ, your Son, as my savior and Lord. I need forgiveness and blessings in my life. I believe Jesus died and rose again for my sins. Please save me today. In Christ’s name, I pray. Amen.”