I am reminded, Lord, that Your Word has much to say about overcoming. It is one thing to be a Christian, it is another thing to be an overcoming Christian. To be an over-comer is vitally important, since Jesus mentions the need to overcome in each letter to the Asian churches (Revelation 2–3).
To be an overcomer means I have been in conflict. It is a military term. In fact, the word overcomer is translated “him who is victorious” in the New English Bible and the Amplified Bible. It is applied to the Christian who has emerged from battle heat and stress undiscouraged in his faith and undeterred in his determination to live obediently to his God.
Jesus is the first great Overcomer. “In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). To overcome the world means to refuse to be seduced by its popularity and to refuse to be intimidated by its threats (of the cross). The world always follows the same pattern, first cajoling and then, if that does not work, crucifying. The world’s desire is always to “squeeze [me] into its own mold” (Romans 12:2, Phillips). The world’s will and God’s will are direct opposites. If I insist on following Jesus, then I must follow Him to battle against the world’s passionate desire to thwart my path to “live … godly in the present age” (Titus 2:12).
Lord, the Bible reminds me of many who went into the battle for You and did not overcome—Lot, Saul, Gehazi, Demas, Diotrephes, and others. That is enough to make me realize that victory is not guaranteed—unless I cling to Him who wonderfully overcame for my sake. Then the Lord Himself will fight for me “as when he fought in the day of battle” (Zechariah 14:3, KJV).
“‘No weapon that is formed against you shall prosper; and every tongue that accuses you in judgment you will condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their vindication is from Me,’ declares the Lord” (Isaiah 54:17).
Daily with the King 