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Far too many Christians find themselves stuck in something called “defeatism.” It’s the attitude that you are either beaten before you even start, or you concede defeat without even putting in any effort of your own.
It’s an odd attitude for us to have because I have yet to find a Bible verse that says those of us who follow Christ are losers. Rather, they point the fact we are victors.
There is a great verse in 2 Corinthians that illustrates how we can have victory, regardless of the circumstances:
We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. – (2 Corinthians 4:8-9 NIV)
A great story to read, about someone who refused to be a loser, is the story of Bartimaeus in Mark 10:46-52 (click to read). After you read his story, here are some practical things you can learn from him to help you if you are stuck in defeatism:
- You have to have a winning attitude (actually it’s called faith).
You can never give up hope.
- Are you actively putting yourself in a position to win?
Bartimaeus was intentional about placing himself in the place he knew he had the best opportunity to win. So you need to always position yourself where help is readily available, like church, LifeGroups, prayer, Bible study.
- Decide what you really believe about Jesus.
Do you really believe Jesus is who he says he is and is willing and able to help? If so, then cry out for his mercy.
- Stop living from crisis to crisis.
Jesus not only had the power to heal Bartimaeus, but he also had the power to sustain him spiritually so he didn’t have to live crisis to crisis. He will do the same for you if you follow.
Why remain stuck in defeatism, when Christ makes victory possible?
Your Pastor,
David Hulme
Senior Pastor