49
February, 1945
Continual Victory—
Is It Possible?
I T IS one thing to stand steadfast in the moment of crisis, but quite another to continue in a sustained steadfastness in the ordinary routine of a drab, monotonous life. Many may face an emergency victoriously, but very few Jive habitually the life of an overcomer. If one is failing to do so, he is quite apt to insist that such a life is im possible. Many earnest Christians are questioning, “Does the life of victory work under all circumstances? Is the fullness of the Holy Spirit for every one, and can it be continuous? Can life be lived habitually on the high est plane in this unspiritual world and with such human limitations as we all have? Has anyone ever lived the life of an overcomer?” There are two ways of answering these questions. First: What does God’s Word say about it? If God’s Word teaches that such a life is pro vided for in Christ’s work for us and His life in us, then it is possible for every Christian, whether we have ever seen such a life or not. Second: Is there any record of such a life in Scripture? If even one person has lived the life of an overcomer, then such a life is possible to every .per son who meets the Scriptural condi tions for it. No truly honest student of God’s Word could deny that it teaches with crystal clearness that not only is such a life possible, but that it also is obligatory upon every Christian to live The author of this article is well-known for books on the deeper life in Christ, such as LIFE ON THE HIGHEST PLANE, etc., and for her Bible-teaching ministry in many coun tries. See page 78 for information about Miss Paxson's booklet.—± Editor.
it. And a careful study of Caleb’s life shows that it has been done. 1$ In young manhood, Caleb stood in glorious victory at Kadesh-barnea. But now he is compelled by the sin of others to turn away from the land of his heart’s delight and to renounce all hope of Canaan for forty years. Instead of occupying a God-given possession, he m u-s t wander forty years in the wilderness with this querulous, discontented people. The best years of his middle life must be sacrificed to the sin of rebel relatives and brethren. Yes, he was an overcomer in the moment of crisis at Kadesh-barnea; but surely it is not to be expected that he can continue to be one for forty years in the wildemes's with this un believing, unspiritual crowd! Can he stand this test? If so, then there is a similar daily victory for you and me. rW e are always prone to think that our lot is the hardest; that there is some excuse for us because of circum stances so much more difficult than those of others. This attitude is clearly revealed in a letter which I received from a friend. "It seems,” this person wrote, “that I have had nothing but trials and af flictions for so long. I pray so much for patience and long-suffering, but I must confess that I have not reached the place where I can take my trials joyfully, and what is more, I fear I never can. I may be wrong, but I don’t believe anyone does, unless it is some one who is in Chirstian work all the time, or someone who does not have the worries of home life with all its trials and burdens.” [ Continued By RUTH PAXSON First of two articles to appear.
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