1 John 5:4, “For everyone that has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world – our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?”
Do you feel like you have been carrying a heavy load that is starting to drag you down? Maybe it is work expectations, a health situation, surmounting bills, or problems and disappointments you can see coming with a child. Yet John says it so simply, “For everyone that has been born of God overcomes the world.” So often, our faith, my faith is small, like that visual picture of a mustard seed. But that is a start. Ephesians 6:16 instructs us, “In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one.” The key to unlocking needed victory is abiding faith and trust, with steadfastness and endurance in believing in Jesus Christ. That is what will make the way to overcoming pressures and temptations and give victory from your abiding faith in the Son of God. When I don’t have patience, that is when I don’t have faith.
What you do in life doesn’t really matter. However, we are required to use our God-given gifts and talents to serve the Lord in what we do in life. 1 Corinthians 10:31 declares we are to do everything for the glory of God. Colossians 3:17 says to “do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” What might this look like for me today? What might it look like for you today in a practical sense?
- Showing love and kindness to someone you don’t really like.
- Treating someone who let you down and didn’t meet your expectations with love despite their actions.
- Choosing to forgive someone as Christ has forgiven you.
- Not seeking vengeance. Ask Him to help you do the next right thing.
1 John 4:4 declares, “Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” Remember who you are in Christ rather than merely what you do.
Make 1 Corinthians 15:57 your prayer, “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Need help singing praise to God for what He has done for you? Read the Psalms, such as Psalm 8, 40, 145, 146, and 148, out loud. It will give you examples of how to praise God. Praise Him for His compassion, deliverance, abundant goodness, fulfilling desires, loves the righteous, and “frustrates the ways of the wicked” (Ps. 146:9). You can be an overcomer.
What do you need to overcome today? Jesus promised in Revelation 3:21, “To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.” Jesus’s life-changing presence is with you now. Take up and hold onto your shield of faith. It will protect you from the doubts and attacks of Satan. Raise it and stand firm as an overcomer in your faith as it grows deeper and stronger daily. Pray bold prayers. Do this in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks in understanding all He has done for you (John 13:12). Now, what do you need to overcome today?
Listen to Casting Crowns, Mac Powell – Until the Whole World Hears (Lyric Video).