The Bible is full of passages about overcoming challenges. Nailed to the front door in many people’s homes is a Bible verse that says “overcome.” The idea of overcoming, whether it’s your challenge or someone else’s, can be summed up as persevering through difficulties and trials. In this post, I will share 21 Bible verses about overcoming challenges.
Bible verses about overcoming challenges
Even though we have been affected by challenges in our lives, our true calling as believers is to overcome them. 21 Bible verses about overcoming challenges are a great reminder of your power because when we come to Christ, and He has forgiven us and healed us, there is nothing we can’t overcome.
James 1:2-4 – Tests will come.
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
James 1:2-4 (NIV)
As children of God, trials and temptations will come in different forms because it’s a test of our faith in God, and it is also part of our Christian experience. It is not always plain sailing when we fully commit ourselves to God. At different times, tests will come.
James has told us to derive joy, stand firm, and continue to put effort into serving God when faced with trials rather than see them as an affliction or a punishment for believing in God.
Romans 12:1-2 – Do not be moved by earthly pleasures.
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Romans 12:1-2 (NIV)
Paul has mandated that we should submit ourselves totally to the service of God that we might find favor and mercy through him; this includes worshipping God without sin and stain so that our service might be acceptable unto him.
We should, therefore, not be moved by earthly pleasures and treasures or be deceived by the current trends, but we should focus on God’s promises which is the ultimate reward for faithful and passionate service.
Romans 5:3-5 – Faith is our access to God.
“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”
Romans 5:3-5 (NIV)
In this passage, Paul has shown us that we live in a state of being at peace with God forever but no longer fearing receiving His angry judgment for our atoned sins.
Also, by faith, we have obtained access to God’s grace and loving-kindness. Finally, we have joy that comes from having the sure hope of experiencing the glory of God for eternity.
God sent the holy spirit to deliver his everlasting peace and joy as guidance to humanity through difficult times so we may have the strength to endure.
Romans 8:17-18 – Our glory is assured.
“Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”
Romans 8:17-18 (NIV)
As believers, we are sole beneficiaries of Christ, our lord; when we share in his suffering and pain through persecution, we are assured of the glory ahead, which will be greater than our present suffering.
Therefore, Paul states that to have access to eternal glory with Christ, we must be immovable during challenging times and persecutions.
Philippians 4:12-13 – God will provide all our needs.
“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:12-13 (NIV)
The Philippine brethren had supported Paul financially in the past. It appears that some time had passed with no constant help from them. But having, at last, received a little financial assistance from the believers there, Paul used this as a teaching opportunity to share the secret of godly contentment in every circumstance of life.
Therefore, we, the present-day believers, are encouraged to have faith in God and trust him to provide for our needs no matter the circumstances, whether in lack or a season of a bountiful harvest.
Romans 8:28 – Persevere, and you will be rewarded.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Romans 8:28 (NIV)
The promise of God from this verse has reassured us that in any circumstance we might face, our reward is in persevering and enduring with him.
This sacrifice can only be limited to those that love God and are saved by him through the power of salvation and those who trust and abide by his teachings and are called by his purpose.
2 Corinthians 4:8 – Stand still and hold on to God’s promise.
“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 (NIV)
By this, Paul meant that he and his friends had faced many hardships, but they were not afraid nor discouraged by the weight of their torture; instead, they stood still and hold on to God’s promise of eternal glory as a reward for diligent service.
From this experience, we are comforted by God’s promise to always be there on every battlefield we may encounter.
1 Peter 5:10 – Stand firm because God will never forsake you.
“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.”
1 Peter 5:10 (NIV)
Peter is writing to believers who have been going through challenging times through persecution; he inspires them to stand firm and steadfast because God has assured them that he will never forsake or leave them.
Persecution may last a little while, but it is not to punish us as believers; instead, it’s meant to fuel and charge our drive towards doing God’s work.
Galatians 6:9 – Those that abide by God’s words will be rewarded.
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
Galatians 6:9 (NIV)
The apostle Paul is writing to the Galatians about doing good using the principle of agriculture, which involves sowing and reaping. He encourages them to persevere, for they will reap their harvest, which is eternal glory with Christ.
If we sow into the flesh, embracing sinful desires, lust, and other evil activities, it will come back to us, and we will be excluded from partaking in the glory of Christ.
But if we abide by his word and teachings, not being tired of doing good at all times and to other people, we will have access to God’s eternal glory through harvest.
John 14:27 – The promise.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
John 14:27 (NIV)
This is a great promise and a mandate that gives life. The disciples were frightened by Jesus’ explanation of his coming death. However, Jesus has pledged that even though he is leaving them, he won’t abandon them orphaned and will instead visit them.
The way the world brings about peace is not the method of Jesus. We shall experience complete peace if we recognize that Jesus is the one path to the Father, if we love him, and follow his instructions. We won’t be on our own since the Holy Spirit will live inside and alongside us if we conform and adhere to his teachings.
Bible verses about overcoming mountains.
Mountains are usually seen as insurmountable barriers. However, in Scripture, mountains become a stepping stone to something greater. Here are some Bible verses about overcoming mountains.
Hebrews 4:14-15
“But Jesus the Son of God is our great High Priest who has gone to heaven itself to help us; therefore let us never stop trusting Him. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses since He had the same temptations we do, though He never once gave way to them and sinned.”
Hebrews 4:14-15(NIV)
Even if we are flesh with mistakes and sinful nature, God has placed his son Jesus Christ, a high priest, to intercede on our behalf. Jesus, the Son of God, has gone through every trial, temptation, and suffering we have. He nevertheless did it without giving in to sin.
He is our ideal model so that we can look to Him for guidance. He is our reliable, excellent replacement. As our one and only High Priest, we can approach Him. And we can put our faith in Him as our source of support and recovery.
When we bring Christ our shortcomings and needs, we can confidently do so because we know that He fully comprehends what it means to be human.
1 Corinthians 10:13
“…God is faithful. He won’t allow you to be tempted beyond your abilities. Instead, with the temptation, God will also supply a way out so that you will be able to endure it.”
1 Corinthians 10:13(NIV)
Temptation is a regular part of our Christian life; our craving for sin can be much greater than our need to do right in the sight of God. Therefore, He cannot allow us to be tempted beyond our capacity.
But God has assured us that he will always be there to guide us through, and the temptation would only strengthen us only if we can overcome it.
1 Peter 5:8-9
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.”
1 Peter 5:8-9(NIV)
This bible verse contains essential instructions that the disciples of God must follow: be sober, be alert and resist. These instructions serve as a guide to help us know what the battlefront looks like.
To be sober means to exercise self-control and consciousness in thinking. It includes spiritual soberness and character soberness which demands that you are not easily carried away by material things or worldly lust.
To be alert as a believer, you have to be spiritually conscious because the enemy has laid down strategies to pull you out of God’s teaching, be ready to defend at all times so you can resist.
Philippians 4:6-7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7(NIV)
Paul writes to the Philippine brethren to encourage them to pray during difficult times; he emphasized the key points to focus on: asking God for their heart desires and always giving thanks to God.
God commands us to pray about everything and bring all of our worries to Him. He tells us to be grateful throughout our prayer time because He understands the effectiveness of praying in anticipating God’s favor and grace.
John 16:33
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33(NIV)
This bible verse completes Christ’s message of hope and caution as He is ready to be arrested and warns the disciples. The central point of the article, which is summarized in this paragraph, is that although adversity and persecution will come, believers should stay steadfast because they know that everything is happening according to God’s wisdom and will.
Christ’s disciples’ response should be calm, not worried or uncertain. The certainty brings on this assurance that nothing they go through would surprise God. The phrase “take heart” suggests bravery: believing Christ’s victory outweighs all those difficulties.
Romans 12:21
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Romans 12:21(NIV)
Paul commands us to be steadfast and dedicated to obeying God’s ways and teachings. He condemns retaliation and encourages us to always do good to those who have wronged us.
We must work hard and serve with passion, controlling our emotions to be joyful about the future and patient with the present. By being kind to those who wrong us, we can defeat evil without falling to its level of vengeance.
Scriptures on victory and overcoming.
In Scripture, victory refers to obtaining a triumph over an opponent. In Scripture, overcoming refers to pursuing achievement or accomplishment in life. It can also be used to describe enduring spiritual difficulties. Please enjoy this comprehensive collection of Scripture on both terms.
Deuteronomy 20:4
For the Lord your God is he that goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.
Deuteronomy 20:4 KJV
The Israelites went into battle, and God promised to be with them, fight for them and save them from their enemies.
The command here is to believe in God no matter the challenges we might face in the battle or who we might face; it might look as if they are more robust, but with our Lord Jesus in the struggle, we are more than a conqueror and are victorious.
1 Corinthians 15:57
But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:57 KJV
When the final trumpet sounds and Christ returns for those who belong to Him, Paul’s teaching on the resurrection of Christians comes to a stirring conclusion. All who trust in Jesus, both alive and dead, will transform the glorified, eternal bodies that God has promised us.
Death will never again cause harm to people because it has been overcome. The power of sin is the law, which also brings about death. However, God has granted us victory over death by pardoning our transgressions through faith in His Son, Jesus, and His grace.
Philippians 2:16
Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.
Philippians 2:16 KJV
An obedient disciple of Christ believes in God’s teachings and holds onto God’s word. Paul outlines how Christians should live in light of all that Christ was prepared to sacrifice for them. The instruction to “work out” your salvation means to put your newfound life in Christ into practice.
Believers are to do this by serving God without grumbling or complaining. Although Paul knows that serving God has been difficult, this is just another way to give. Therefore, all believers are encouraged to participate in serving God selflessly.
Deuteronomy 20:1-4
When thou goest out to battle against thine enemies, and seest horses, and chariots, and a people more than thou, be not afraid of them: for the Lord thy God is with thee, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. And it shall be, when ye are come nigh unto the battle, that the priest shall approach and speak unto the people, And shall say unto them, Hear, O Israel, ye approach this day unto battle against your enemies: let not your hearts faint, fear not, and do not tremble, neither be ye terrified because of them; For the Lord your God is he that goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.
Deuteronomy 20:1-4 KJV
According to the old testament, Israel was a small nation surrounded by great tribes and lands; most times, they wanted to battle, and they were faced with many enemies.
Despite the danger ahead, they had a good command from God not to be afraid because he was willing to fight alongside them in every battle. God also gave them a precise instance where he manifested his presence by bringing them out of the land of Egypt.
Ephesians 6:10-11
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Ephesians 6:10-11 KJV
Paul ends his letters about how to live out your faith in a series of well-known metaphors. For example, he mentions the “armor of God” in this passage.
To illustrate how the elements of Christianity function together as we seek to serve God, Paul utilizes the image of a Roman soldier’s essential equipment in this text. The soldier’s kit includes the belt, breastplate, shoes, shield, helmet, and sword. Likewise, truth, righteousness, the gospel, faith, salvation, and the Word of God are all tools in the Christian’s toolbox.
Prayer is also available to Christians. A Christian’s gear is intended for spiritual combat, just as a soldier’s equipment is made for their earthly conflict.
