Jesus…Our Overcomer!
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 16:33
The world is constantly seeking to overcome us, to discourage, and even destroy us. Jesus warns that this will always be the case. “Ye shall have tribulation.” As long as we are in this world.
But then Jesus tells us to be of good cheer. Cheer? Be happy? Why? Because He has overcome the world!
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The world sought to overcome Jesus. And thought they had at Calvary. But there was never any doubt that He would remain Sovereign Lord over all…the Victor…the Overcomer! Those men, after all, were only following His plan devised before He had even created this world!
And because Jesus has overcome the world, and defeated Satan, you too can be an overcomer!
Following the examples of past heroes of the faith, you too can overcome in the battles of life. You can overcome—
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Bitterness and unforgiveness, and become a friend to an enemy…like Corrie ten Boom.
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Great material and financial need…like George Muller.
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Your past…like John Newton.
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Discouragement in ministry…like Adoniram Judson.
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Sin and failures…like Peter, Paul, John Marc, David, Rahab, Moses, Abraham and so many more.
Reading about these heroes of the faith has inspired me to live for Christ when things are hard for me. I loved reading each one of these books! And hope you will, too.
And just like these heroes of the faith, you also can be more than conqueror…because “greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world.” (1 John 4:4)
You can overcome! Victory is yours through the Lord Jesus Christ…if He is your Saviour!
I’m reminded of the song “Overcomer” by Mandisa—
Whatever it is you may be going through,
I know He’s not gonna let it get the best of you
You’re an overcomer
Stay in the fight ‘til the final round
You’re not going under
‘Cause God is holding you right now
You might be down for a moment
Feeling like it’s hopeless
That’s when He reminds You
That you’re an overcomer
You’re an overcomer
Mandisa
The world has no power to keep a daughter of God down, only temporary power to try you, test you, and to be used of God to correct you and grow you.
None of God’s children have to be defined by their pasts, or defeated by the brokenness within them.
For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief. Proverbs 24:16
You may fall, but you don’t have to stay down. Jesus gave His life to deliver you from the power of this evil world to defeat you. Trust Him, confess your sin and your needs to Him, and get back up and press forward.
Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: Galatians 1:4
Peter denied Jesus, failed miserably. But he didn’t stay down, didn’t quit on God.
If for some reason…either because of your failures or the failures of others…you are being tempted to quit on God, let me tell you like a friend’s husband once told me during a time of trial and heartache—
Others may quit, but don’t you quit.
I don’t think I’ll ever forget that. I so needed to hear that at just that moment.
If you belong to Christ, God won’t ever let the world take you from His hand. (John 10:29) You will never belong to the world again. In that sense, you have already overcome the world. Praise God!
For more help growing in your walk with God, you’ll want to be sure to check out all these Practical Ways to Get Closer to God Today!
But in order for your life and testimony to be that of an overcomer, you must, when facing trials and temptations…choose to be an overcomer. Choose to “be of good cheer” trusting in Jesus and His power to overcome this situation for you, just as He has done in the past.
For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? 1 John 5:4-5
If you are born of God, a born again believer in the Lord Jesus Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection for the payment of your sins for you, then you are an overcomer.
Through faith in Jesus’ victory over death, Satan, and this world, you can have joy and victory. And no one can take away your victory in Jesus!
Like the old Hymn says—Faith is the Victory.
Encamped along the hills of light,Ye Christian soldiers rise,
And press the battle ere the night Shall veil the glowing skies;
Against the foe in vales below Let all our strength be hurled;
Faith is the victory, we know, That overcomes the world.
Faith is the victory! Faith is the victory!
O glorious victory, That overcomes the world.
His banner over us is love, Our sword the Word of God;
We tread the road the saints before With shouts of triumph trod.
By faith, they like a whirlwind’s breath, Swept on o’er every field;
The faith by which they conquered death Is still our shining shield.
John Yates
Because of Jesus…the world has no power over you but what you allow. Let your faith in Jesus cause you to say—Because of Jesus, I have overcome!
Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. 1 John 4:4
Because of Jesus, I will overcome!
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:13
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7
Drawing nigh to Him,
Teresa
This post is part of our John Bible Study.
LET’S TALK ABOUT IT
If you have not already done so, let me challenge you to read a biography of the heroes of the faith that I have mentioned, or of others you may know of. These men and women inspire me and help me know that if they can be overcomers and live through all they did for Christ, then surely I can too! God will be just as faithful to me as my Overcomer as He was to them!
Who is the human overcomer that inspires you? Is it someone who lived long ago or someone living today? How so?