How To Come Out on Top in Every Situation

That title almost seems preposterous, doesn't it? You might be thinking, "Karen, we can't come out on top in every situation!"

But I believe the Bible says we can! In fact, it points out an amazing and powerful tool we have at our disposal all the time that will never fail! First Corinthians 13:8 tells us, Love never fails. I didn't say that-God did!

Choose Love

First of all, we have to realize this love that never fails is not romantic love-it's not a feeling. It's not natural human love; it's agape, the God-kind of love. It's the very presence and nature of God. It's God Himself (1 John 4:8). This kind of love is a choice, not a feeling. And it's the kind of love that the world is desperately looking for - the love that will usher in the greatest soul harvest of the ages. It's a powerful force.

When we choose love in a situation, we choose to let God dominate in that situation, and He can never fail!

When I'm in trouble-whether it's trouble I've caused myself, or trouble with other people; financial trouble or any other kind-I ask myself one question: "What would love do?"

Because if love never fails, then that's what I want to release into my situation-something that never fails! The Bible says our very faith works by this love (Gal. 5:6). It says this love casts out fear, and fear can choke our faith (1 John 4:18). And thankfully, this love has been shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost (Romans 5:5). If you're born again, it's in there; you just have to chose to release it.

Have you ever had anyone treat you unjustly? Have you ever been in a situation where it looks like you just can't win? Have you ever been out of answers?

Well, the opposite of failing is succeeding. If love never fails, the way to succeed (or come out on top) in your situation is to apply God's love.

Now, what do I mean when I say "apply love" in a situation? Well, usually at times like those, our flesh wants to rise up. We want to get distracted by the injustice or fear of it all and be pulled into the natural realm where we react to our feelings. This can take the form of complaining, retaliation, discouragement or fearful confessions.

Applying love begins with something as simple as asking yourself the question, "What would love do here?" and expecting God to answer. You're making a decision to choose love instead of reacting in the flesh.

It's Not Always Easy

I always like to define agape love as "thinking of the other person first." So choosing love means to think of how you can bless and help the other person or people in the situation-not because they deserve it, but because you choose to let God (love) dominate.

Now let me just say that doing what love would do is almost always something your flesh doesn't want to do. It often means swallowing your pride, giving in, reaching out, or doing something for someone that they don't deserve. Or it can mean putting someone in their place, or telling them a hard truth that may hurt, but will inevitably set them free. It often takes longer than you'd like and it's rarely convenient; God almost always asks you to do something you don't have time for or have to put yourself out for.

But it never fails. And it's something you can do.

I believe this is where the rubber of Christianity meets the road. Any of us can say we're a Christian...but do we act like Christ when the going gets tough? Can people tell who we are (John 13:35)? Do we let love dominate?

Hey, it's not always easy-if it were, everyone would do it! It's your choice. I encourage you to think of a troubling situation you're in today and pray this prayer: Father, I turn this situation over to You. I choose to walk in Your love, not in my flesh or fear. Show me what love would do, and I'll do it. I release YOU into this situation, and I refuse to fret about it anymore. Thank You for helping me walk in the love that never fails, and come out on top!