How Close Are You to Overcoming?

No matter what we face in this life, we as Christians have placed inside of us an overcomer’s spirit. What do I mean by overcomer? To gain superiority over that which is trying to stop us...overcoming obstacles and difficult circumstances that would naturally bring us down and keep us down. An overcomer learns how to rise again in spite of what is coming against them.

 

It is in our DNA to overcome. Because of Christ and the shedding of His blood when we partake of salvation, we become overcomers. Jesus said, In the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer for I have overcome the world. The reason Jesus told us to cheer up in spite of tribulations is because we have His overcoming spirit within us so there is nothing to be upset about. Rev. 12:10,11 tells us, (the great dragon, the devil was cast out) “And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ; for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.”

 

All followers of Christ will face tremendous battles and tests. Not all will overcome and advance through those testings and trials. Even though this power to overcome resides in us, we have to decide to partake of an overcomer’s lifestyle. For many, life becomes too painful and hard so they are tempted to go into survival mode. Surviving is good, but survivors don’t necessarily move forward or enjoy life. It is tragic when an overcomer behaves like a survivor. Overcomers know they are made for so much more. I truly believe that no matter how difficult and hard life is, most people have a desire to live in a higher place of going from better to best, to rise to a new place of strength when all seems lost.

 

Here are some things I have noticed about overcomers.

Overcomers are intentional in all they do.

We can look at our lives much like mountain climbers attempting to ascend to a high peak. All of us want to go higher, but how do we do this when it seems so high and difficult? Some of the problems we face might cause us to feel that it is impossible to get to the top. Feelings come and go, so we can’t depend on how we are feeling; we must be intent on where we are going to land. As you climb, decide what my purpose is today so that I am intent on making each step count. The Bible says that our steps are ordered of the Lord. What are you talking with God about? Where do you need to go to have clarity? Find a place of peace even if it is for a short time to ask God about things and to get centered in your faith to keep moving forward. God is not looking at your religious steps – He wants a true heart, open and vulnerable, asking for His help. I assure you that if you take that first step, God will help you with the rest. 

 

Overcomers see themselves on top

Mountain climbers do not deny that there will be major obstacles and challenges, so they prepare for an intense climb and not for a vacation. Mental and physical preparation is a must to their endurance. This is part of my purpose in writing letters to you each month. I have a mandate to help the body of Christ prepare for what is ahead as I exhort you with hope and encouragement. Endurance is key to all of us overcoming.

 

Adjustments and changes are part of life so we must be ready to move and shift with each change. There are some steps we would rather not take because of past traumas, fear of what is to come or just lacking the courage to make a move. We all have to face our own reality of what life is at the moment. You might be facing intense relationship shifts, health assaults or money problems.  Being an overcomer means we don’t stop climbing that mountain even though we are surrounded by lots of problems and situations we are concerned about.

 

Before climbers take that first step up the mountain, they see themselves on top planting a flag of victory. You never see climbers planting their flag halfway up a mountain. It must never be accepted in your mindset to stop halfway and just become a survivor. As we take that step in the midst of crisis and uncertainty, the Lord will supernaturally take us to a higher place. We can’t seem to understand how it happens, but this is the delivering power of His redemption. Redemption says I am going to make you better than you would have or could have been even before this painful thing came into your life.

 

Overcomers have overcomers as friends

Overcomers will make a way for others to get to Jesus. Lk 5:18-20, “And the power of the Lord was with Jesus to heal those who were ill. Some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a mat and tried to take him into the house to lay him before Jesus. When they could not find a way to do this because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus. When Jesus saw their faith, he said, friend, your sins are forgiven.’

 

When you need a miracle, it may take the faith of your friends to get that miracle. If you need help to overcome, reach out for it. Some people are too ashamed or let pride keep them from seeking help. Even Jesus asked his disciples for help. God made us to need one another.

 

Take notice of  Eccl.4:9-12, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor; if either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”

I don’t know where my family and I would be if it weren’t for the help and prayers of my friends. 

 

Overcomers invest in their own personal health, in spirit, soul and body.

So how well are you doing? How well are you loving? Overcomers carry the responsibility of staying whole and healthy. There are many that don’t take care in these areas and expect God to do it all for them. It doesn’t work that way. Health is a full-time commitment and requires discipline and self-awareness.

 

As we all go forward to have a more abundant life as Jesus promised, let’s encourage and strengthen one another. Stop wasting time in survival mode and get back to overcoming in every area of life!