You . . . are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. (1 John 4:4)
Let’s go back to simple math for the day. I don’t remember too many symbols from math, but I do remember these three: less than (<), equal to (=), and greater than (>). After reading today’s verse, the words penned by John—”because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world”—should be an encouragement to us as one of the greatest statements of our standing in this world given to us from God.
The spiritual realm is just like math. Greater than not only denotes the inequality between two values, but also that what is greater can consume that which is less in value. John declared that those who are dear children of God will overcome anything less than God. There is no comparison between the working power of God and anything else in this world.
Take courage, loved one! As dear children who are from God, you will overcome anything that is less than God, because God who is in you is greater than anything in this world. As you reflect on just how great God is today, take courage in knowing that anything that seems greater than God in your life will not last and if there is anything in your life that you are elevating above God, let go. He will overcome that too.
Remember that God is greater than anything you will face.
Devon Smith is district superintendent of the Tri-State District of The Wesleyan Church, and founder/director of the CROSS Training ordination program at Oklahoma Wesleyan University.
© 2020 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
