If you’re caught in a pouring rain and you have an umbrella, you are already equipped to overcome the elements. But if you don’t use the umbrella, you will get soaked. You’re still equipped to overcome, but now you’re all wet because you failed to use the tool given you that could prevent it. Life can be cruel, and bad things do happen to good people. If we focus on the unfair and bad things, we miss the whole point of their purpose in the first place. Through Christ we have already been declared overcomers; we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. However, if we don’t use the tools He’s given us, we will be defeated. Take every thought captive, and think about good things. Focus on the good that can come from every painful experience. No matter how tragic a situation may seem, don’t let anyone steal your joy. Use the bad things in life to reinforce your victory, not to become a victim. No trial will come upon you that is uncommon in life. Don’t let life rain on your parade; instead, let it reflect His glory.