Abiding Victory is Ours

The Velveteen Rabbit knew something about truly living. He knew that life brought loose threads and worn edges, it was about becoming, and real-life required love. He was a little creature of no significance in the beginning, but later he was the beloved best friend of the little boy to whom he belonged. Velveteen Rabbit saw his friend through a bout with scarlet fever that threatened his own demise in a burn pile. But in the end, with his fur nearly rubbed off and his eyes in danger of popping out, he became a real rabbit and received a brand-new life in the beautiful, green forest.

Trouble and trial are a very real part of life. And although they are often hidden away, we all carry the loose threads and worn edges of living in this world.  But the love of God is also a very real part of life, and His desire is to reach each of us  in our sufferings through His Son’s finished work on our behalf:

I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.] John 16:33

Like they did to the little rabbit in the children’s classic, the cares of life can leave us feeling careworn and fragile. At times, courage and strength are elusive, and the temptation to give up is strong.  But abiding victory is ours when we put our trust in the One who has overcome the world. His love will never fail us.