When defeat may seem near

In life, we often experience defeat every now and then. We may come to a point of defeat when we become aware of hitting the end of the road. At such points, defeat may bring fear and trembling, disappointment, shame, sadness, depression, and sometimes even death. Defeat normally comes at the least expected hour, and mostly when our backup plan is all used up. As Christians, what should be our attitude when defeat comes knocking at us?

1. God knows we’re heading towards defeat

The defiance of Meshach, Shadrach, and Abednego not to bow down to the golden idol of Nebuchardnezzar may explain why God can allow defeat to hit our way. They stood for God in exchange of death threat. We’re told of their maltreatment, “So these men, wearing their robes, trousers, turbans and other clothes, were bound and thrown into the blazing furnace” (Dan. 3: 21). Can you imagine yourself at the edge of death sentence? Death haunted their spirit irrespective of their staunch faith. Defeat was near, but heaven was nearer. Meshach, Shadrach, and Abednego were delivered in the fire not outside. We ought to keep our trust in God even in the midst of the defeating circumstance.

2. Faith doesn’t come easily but it’s the deal

In business, people take risk in hope of achieving maximal success. Faith is unlike risk taking. Faith “is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see” (Heb. 11: 1 NIV). If we’re not confident in hoping for the outcome, we’re taking risk. When Elijah met the Zarephath woman, he demanded her to share her last food with him. In hearing the promises from the man of God, she went and did exactly as she was told. As a result, defeat turned into abundance of life. We read from 1 Kings 17: 16, “For the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the word of the Lord spoken by Elijah.” We can trust in the promises of God when defeat sets in because He keeps all His promises.

3. Call upon the name of the Lord

Whenever we sense defeat in our lives, we should call upon the Lord. There is a great impact in the name of the Lord. Paul in reference to the words of the prophet Joel said, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Rom. 10: 13). When Peter saw Jesus walking on the lake, he wanted to put Jesus to test. Jesus commanded Peter to come to him. Peter being frightened by the wind started to sink. That was too bad for Peter. He then cried out, “”Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him…” (Matt. 22: 30, 31). Divine rescue is swifter than any earthly emergency. In every bad situation, never be ashamed to call upon the name of the Lord.

4. Let the will of God take its course

Some years back, I was afraid of the will of God. I had always thought the will of God would not be favourable to me. That was a bad image I had about God. Today, I’ve grown to understand the will of God as surety of our wellbeing. God’s will is never against us even though we may find it difficult understanding sometimes. Jesus showed us how the will of God works in the garden of Gethsemane. In Luke 22:42 he prayed, “Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me. Yet not My will, but Yours be done.” The burden of sin was so heavy upon him. Jesus prayed for an escape. Nevertheless, he gave way to the will of God to take its course. God’s will can absorb defeat into victory.

5. Death is not defeat

Not a lot of people are willing to die for no reason. Many people do suffer a lot before dying. Bereaved families and friends do suffer as a result of the loss. Notwithstanding the pain of death, death itself is not a defeat. Jesus passed through death but defeated death. He said, “I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades” (Rev. 1: 8). He advised us to be faithful unto death and he shall give us a crown of life (Rev. 2: 10). When the defeat of death comes near, we should remember the words of the Lord, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die” (Jn 11: 25). With this in mind, we should boldly face death.

Do you feel defeated? Not anymore! Robert Evans sings the words beautifully:

Let us not grow weary while doing good;
For in due season we shall reap;
If we do not lose heart;
Don’t forfeit your heart;
No matter what life may bring;
Though defeat may seem near;
Though the outcome’s not clear;
No matter what others say;
No matter how long it’s been;
You must not lose your heart;
You must know God will be true;
You must hold on to God’s love for you.