Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:7-10
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed— always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.
Thought for Today: Watching Alabama and Ohio State compete in the college football national championship last night is a reminder of all that is required to be an UNDISPUTED CHAMPION. Both teams came into the game undefeated this season with perfect records from a challenging season greatly impacted by COVID-19 and other factors. However, only the Alabama Crimson Tide emerged from the game as the UNDEFEATED CHAMPION of college football.
UNDISPUTED CHAMPIONS are rare in any sport or field in life. Think about how difficult it is to compete against competitors for an entire season and be considered a winner by all competitors and fans. UNDISPUTED CHAMPIONS are not perfect, in fact they have numerous flaws. But these champions are known for their ability to work hard, stick together, overcome adversity, persevere through troubled times and pursue victory with diligence.
In this life, you will face many challenges that are far beyond your natural ability to overcome. Additionally, you have a formidable opponent in the devil who hates you and is constantly devising plans and schemes to defeat you by keeping you in a state of discouragement and despair. As you experience these things, it is critical to fight the good fight of faith by declaring God’s Word to gain victory. To become the Undisputed Champion that God has made it possible for you to be in Christ, you must know and practice the following the principles Paul teaches in 2 Corinthians 4: 7-10.
- You are a vessel of clay that God has chosen to use for His purpose
- God has made a deposit of His heavenly treasure in you
- Yet, He is the sole source of Excellence of His Power in you
- In the fight of life, you will be hard-pressed on every side, but never crushed
- In the fight of life, you will be confused, but not in despair
- In the fight of life, you will be persecuted but not forsaken
- In the fight of life, you will be struck down, but not destroyed
- Always carry the death of the Lord Jesus in your heart that His life may be manifested (made known) in you and enable you to draw others to Christ
These principles will help you and I to become and be recognized as an UNDISPUTED CHAMPION in this life.
It’s Time to Pray: Almighty God, I ask you to fill me with the excellence of Your power from Your heavenly treasure so that I will operate in Faith to persevere and overcome every challenge that the enemy sends to defeat me…Help me to live as an UNDISPUTED CHAMPION for Christ…
