http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/Sermons/ByDate/2009/4438_It_Is_the_Spirit_That_Gives_Life/
Often times I feel as if all of my efforts as a Christian deems futile and unfruitful. I know it's not by my will, but sometimes it really does feel like Satan has the upper hand. If you've ever felt the same way, this particular sermon was an incredible encouragement for me, and so I want to share it with you and urrrge you to read/listen to John Piper's message as well.
Long story short, although at times it appears that Satan is winning, God is still and always will be in control. In fact, times like these are when we are to be reminded of God's supreme sovereignty and trust in Him. "..just at that point and at that time, you need a very robust and clear vision of God’s sovereignty over you and the horrors of your life." Need a clearer picture? In John 6, Jesus announces to the disciples that one of them will betray him. Not only that, but he knew that most of the disciples (not just The Twelve) and many of his followers would follow Him no longer. In fact, thousands of people turned and walked away, "..almost everyone who ate the loaves and fish." So then naturally it would seem like most of the world had turned their backs on Christ and returned to their crooked, unbelieving ways. Does this mean Satan is winning? Jesus says no. God has everything planned out for us. So to parallel history to our lives today, Jesus is still winning; and He will vanquish evil in the end!
