I will OVERCOME

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Photo by Zoltan Tasi on Unsplash


God never promises an easy life, a perfect life, a life free from struggle.  In fact, he promises us the very opposite- a life with trouble.

John 16:33 New International Version (NIV)

33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”


 His promise is that He and therefore us in Him  shall OVERCOME and be VICTORIOUS.  But what does overcoming look like?  It's not a life free from illness, grief and loss. If life is perfect, there is nothing to overcome.  The dictionary has some insight into what overcome means:

succeed in dealing with (a problem or difficulty).

"she worked hard to overcome her paralyzing shyness"

synonyms:get the better of, prevail over, control, get control of, get/bring under control, bridle, tame, master, gain mastery over, deal with, conquer, defeat, vanquish, beat, solve, triumph over, best, worst, overpower, overwhelm; More
  • defeat (an opponent); prevail.

    "without firing a shot they overcame the guards"

    synonyms:defeat, beat, best, conquer, trounce, thrash, rout, vanquish, overwhelm, overpower, destroy, drub, get the better of, triumph over, prevail over, gain a victory over, win over/against, outdo, outclass, outstrip, surpass, excel, worst, subdue, quash, crush;More

The world has interpreted overcoming as winning at earthly things through our own cleverness and grit.  You overcome poverty by hustling everyday, building an empire and gaining wealth.  You overcome illness by eating better, exercising and eating gluten and dairy free (but, icecream!).  You overcome depression and anxiety by thinking positive thoughts.  But is this practice of overcoming what Jesus had in mind?  I don't think so.

Jesus paints a picture of overcoming and it has nothing to do with our own strength and power but everything to do with Him.  Although Jesus often does overcome our physical needs through healing and His provision of our worldly needs, I believe His emphasis on overcoming is in the spiritual sense as detailed in the beatitudes (Matthew 5 1-12 NIV)

The Beatitudes

He said:
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
    for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
    for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
    for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
    for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
    for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
    for they will be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad,because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.


 Overcoming is  a life of peace, joy and hope even in the midst of sorrow and trouble! It's not financial security, perfect health or perfect relationships as the world would have you believe.


What happens in the universe when we overcome despair and hopelessness in the midst of our suffering?  When we trust in Jesus despite the dire situation?  The entire universe bears witness to our peace, joy, love and hope and God is glorified.  Let us, therefore, set our hearts and minds on Christ and live each day believing we are overcomers no- matter our circumstances.

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