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Our Rock to Overcome

Matthew 16:18

And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the forces of Hades will not overpower it.

Peter’s Greek name was Cephas, which means stone. Jesus planned to use Peter to begin the church. In fact, in his first sermon, he would lead 3,000 people to know Christ. The church, however, is not built upon Peter but upon the gospel of Jesus Christ. He is the chief cornerstone and the foundation upon which we teach, preach, and lead others to know Him. 

When my husband died, my whole world was turned upside down, and I was shaken to the core. Since then, I’ve been knocked down, betrayed, misunderstood, deceived, criticized, trampled, and rejected, but I have never stayed in the pit! I can credit this to only one thing – the word of God and the rock (Jesus) upon which I stand. God has graciously poured His word into my soul on a daily basis – a process which began long before I became a widow. When Eddie died, that foundation – rock – began to rise from within, placing my feet upon a firm foundation and rescuing me from the pit of despair. This is why it is so vitally important for Christians to fill themselves with God’s word during the good times because that very word becomes their strong foundation during the bad times, which will most certainly happen.

In this verse, Jesus warned His disciples that the forces of Hades would attack, but they would not be able to overpower His church. The Devil may knock us down, but because we are built upon the rock – Jesus Christ – we won’t stay there! He is a strong foundation for us during troubled times.

What we need to overcome times of loss or tragedy is a greater revelation of Jesus – our cornerstone and our rock. We gain that revelation through the Bible and the leading of the Holy Spirit to teach us and guide us through it. God will speak directly to us through His word, and we can be assured of His promises. That is why He put them in writing! The less you know of God’s word, the deeper you will fall when the earth shakes, but the more you know His word, the more firm your foundation will be. Stand upon the rock today, and fill yourself with His word. The forces of Hades (Hell) will not overpower you!

Have a blessed day!

PHOEBE Connections, Inc. is a 501(c)3 dedicated to enhancing the lives of widows by building relationships and helping them find new identity in Jesus Christ through serving others. We promote an atmosphere of fellowship, where the widow can connect with other widows to develop friendships and supportive relationships.