Christ understood that the enemy would approach every human being, seeking to exploit inherited weaknesses and, through deceptive suggestions, entrap all who do not place their trust in God. By walking the very path that humanity must walk, our Lord has prepared the way for us to gain the victory.

It is not His purpose that we should face the conflict with Satan at a disadvantage. He does not want us to be frightened or disheartened by the attacks of the serpent. Instead, He speaks words of courage and assurance: “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33. How did He gain the victory in His conflict with Satan? It was through the Word of God. Only by relying on the Word was He able to resist temptation.

He met temptation with the words, “It is written.” Matthew 4:4. And to us are given “exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” 2 Peter 1:4. Every promise found in God’s Word belongs to us.

When temptation confronts you, do not focus on circumstances or on your own weakness, but look to the power of the Word. All of its strength is made available to you. The Saviour Himself declared, “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.” John 15:11.

The work of overcoming is not a bleak or joyless experience. On the contrary, it brings us into living communion with Heaven. We are invited to come to God in prayer—to ask, to receive, and to believe—placing our helpless souls entirely in Christ’s hands. This overcoming life means that humanity is empowered to cooperate with the will and purposes of God, for humanity and divinity are joined together for this very reason.

He allows the deep waters of affliction to pass over our souls so that we may truly know God and Jesus Christ whom He has sent, and that our hearts may be awakened with deep longings to be cleansed from every defilement. Through this process, we are able to come forth from the trial purer, holier, and happier. As it is written, “And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” John 17:3.

Often we enter the furnace of affliction with souls darkened by selfishness; but if we remain patient under the severe testing, we will come forth reflecting the divine character.

When His purpose in the affliction has been fulfilled, His promise is sure: “He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, And your justice as the noonday.” Psalm 37:6.

The power of Christ is meant to be the comfort, the hope, and the crown of rejoicing for everyone who follows Jesus through life’s conflicts and struggles. The one who truly follows the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, can press forward with triumphant confidence, proclaiming, “This is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.” 1 John 5:4.

What kind of faith is it that overcomes the world? It is the faith that makes Christ your own personal Saviour—the faith that acknowledges your helplessness and complete inability to save yourself, and then reaches out to the One who is mighty to save, clinging to Him as your only hope. It is a faith that refuses to be discouraged, a faith that listens to the voice of Christ as He assures us, “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33. It is a faith that rests confidently in His abiding presence, trusting His promise, “Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20.