In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. – Romans 8:37

Knowing who you are not can be just as important as knowing who you are! Perhaps your programming early in life made you believe you had to measure up in areas others found important, such as sports or beauty. Many people have spent significant time hiding their shortcomings or trying to compensate for their weaknesses.

Since Christ faced evil and conquered the power it holds over the human soul, every believer is set free from the chains of darkness. As a follower of Christ, you emerge from bondage into deliverance, but it is important to remember that freedom comes through His strength and not because of anything you have done, other than trusting Him.    

Can the challenges in your life be overcome? Yes! However, before you can offer great forgiveness to anyone who has harmed you, you must recognize the magnitude of forgiveness you have received. When you acknowledge the Father’s longsuffering with your unfaithfulness, you can better cultivate and nurture deep relationships with others. Understanding Christ’s steadfast devotion to his mission on Earth equips you to overcome strong temptation. Before you defeat addiction or compulsion, you must lay your efforts before God and ask for His help.

Victory is sure, as sure as you are standing with Christ. Today, pray for people in authority to move this nation toward dependence on God’s grace. Ask that those in leadership positions recognize their great need for God’s strength rather than relying on their own political influence, and acknowledge who they “are” and who they “are not” before Him.