Daily Devotional - by John Adams 
 
DEFEAT WORRY AND FEAR EVEN IN TOUGH TIMES -
PLACE YOUR TRUST IN CHRIST’S POWER AND HIS PROMISES NO MATTER WHAT
 
The Word of God (the Bible) repeatedly tells us that if we are “in Christ” (and He is “in” us), by our faith in Him and His promises, we never have to give in to fear and hopelessness.
 
Amazingly, the Word actually instructs us to have joy, hope, and peace regardless of how grave our circumstances in this world may be, saying:
 
“Rejoice and exalt in hope; be steadfast and patient in suffering and tribulations, be constant in prayer.”  Romans 12:12 (Amp.)
 
James actually tells us we should “count it all joy” when we are subjected to serious trials and tribulations (James 1:2-3; 1 Peter 4:12), and Paul urges us in “all things...” [good or bad] to give the Lord thanks; for “...this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you”!  (1 Thess. 5:16-18)
 
Sounds counter-intuitive; until you realize that God is all-powerful, all-knowing, eternal and already knows everything that is going to happen in every aspect of your future - everything (the good and the bad)!  In fact, He “knew” every detail of your life and wrote it in the Book of Life before you were even born (or the first planet was created)!!
 
Since nothing is impossible for God, and He is 100% faithful to His “Word” (Promises), He has assured us all (His children) that:
 
“I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you.  I said, ‘You are my servant’;  I have chosen you and have not rejected you.  So do not fear, for I am with you;  do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you;I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.  “All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish.  Though you search for your enemies, you will not find them.  Those who wage war against you will be as nothing at all.  For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear;  I will help you. Do not be afraid, you worm Jacob, little Israel, do not fear, for I myself will help you,” declares the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.”  (Isaiah 41:9-14 - see also: Isaiah 40, 41 and 43)
 
            And therefore,
 
“If God is for us, who can stand against us?” Romans 8:31 [read all of Romans 8]
 
The answer is no one and no thing in all of creation can defeat God’s will and eternal plan for your life; and that He will see us through until we are with Him in Heaven where there is indescribable, and perfect, love, beauty, joy and peace living directly in His presence and no more death, sin, tears, evil or sorrow forever.  [Rev. 21 and 22]
 
So, let God’s absolute power and promises give you hope, peace, joy, love, and encouragement which “transcends all [human] understanding”, empowering and enabling you to endure and have victory in whatever trials or difficulties are concerning you.
 
As Jesus Himself told the apostles:
 
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”  John 16:33
  
God bless, 
John Adams