Storybook FaithSample

Jesus’s death may have seemed like defeat to the outside viewer. In fact, someone who was oblivious to his authority over death might have thought it was the end of his story. In the same way we can sometimes mistakenly think disappointments in our lives are final, when often they are only the beginning of our most victorious chapter.

Hebrews chapter 2 teaches us that, for Jesus, it took death to overcome death. If he had not done this, we wouldn’t be able to say that He can overcome every challenge. Thus, we would not be sure that we could also overcome every challenge. This is what it means when it says in verse 10 that salvation was made perfect through what He suffered. Our salvation is not based on a Savior that only overcame some things for us, but rather a Messiah who overcame even the strongest, most unforgiving adversary: the grave.

When He did this, Jesus broke the power of the enemy (the one who brings death) over our lives (2:15) AND—here comes the best part—because He broke the enemy’s power, He set us free from being slaves to the fear of death. This means we no longer have to fear trials and tribulations, afraid that we will be defeated. Instead, we can face them boldly because we know that Jesus overcame the very worst of them. If even death could not stop Jesus from completing His purpose, what makes you think that He will allow the situations you are facing in your life to defeat you? Our sufferings will not destroy us; rather, they will awaken in us the resurrection power of Christ. 

See what Paul says in Philippians 3:8-10. Paul understood by revelation of the Holy Spirit that his sufferings did not have the power to destroy him. In fact, he goes as far as to say he counts them as rubbish (silly, small, unimportant) in light of the power of the resurrection. He is not referring to a physical resurrection in which he would die and return, but rather the ability to overcome any earthly circumstance and remain whole enough to inherit God’s promises, including eternal life.

As you read this today, what situations are you facing that feel like they mark the end of your story? As you’ve cried and suffered through your predicament, does it seem as though you are being defeated by your enemy? If so, remember that Jesus’s death overcomes all death. He tasted death for all (vs. 10) so that he could be a perfect and complete savior for every area of our lives. He gives us the power to overcome death in our finances, our marriages, our dreams, our minds, and in our physical bodies.

Your God has designed your story to be better after you have conquered your greatest threats. As we close this chapter, meditate on what the Lord promises through His word in 1 Peter 5:10.

Today, as you meditate on these scriptures, ask yourself:

What part of my story seems like it has been destroyed by suffering or loss?

What victories could God be getting ready to give me when I overcome these trials?

Have I been held captive by the fear of death in any area of my life?