The Secret to Overcoming Your Troubles

I love the wisdom of Dr. Seuss. He had a way with words that cut to the chase. Take this quote for example.

“I have heard there are troubles of more than one kind. Some come from ahead and some come from behind. But I’ve bought a big bat. I’m all ready you see. Now my troubles are going to have trouble with me!” -Dr. Suess

Can you just see one of his characters standing with a huge ball bat in his hand, poised to take on whatever is coming his way?

Of course, as Christ Followers, we don’t go out and buy a big bat. We have no need of one. We are already equipped with everything we need to face whatever comes our way.

This life is full of troubles. Everyone I know is going through something. And the troubles do seem to come from every direction. Sometimes we just want to raise the white flag and say we surrender, we give up, we’re tired and can’t fight anymore.  But we need to take the words of the good doctor and stand our ground, facing our troubles with confidence.

Since we don’t have need of a big bat, what do we have to fight against these troubles? We have a sword. According to the Bible, we have been given armor and a sword.

Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”Ephesians 6:17 (ESV)

We only need one weapon. The rest of that passage talks about items that are for protection. The only weapon we need is the sword of the Spirit which is God’s Word.The key to success is that we take the sword. We can’t just leave it lying on the ground and expect it to help us win the battle. We must take it up and use it with skill that comes from practicing with it daily.

When we have the sword and face our troubles, God has promised us the victory. And remember, we will never have to fight alone. God has promised to be with us.

So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”Hebrews 13:6 (ESV)

Pick up your sword and move out with confidence. The victory is yours!