Overcomers

During the years of one’s young childhood, there are many milestones a little boy or girl must triumph over as they grow up. Two positive achievements that many parents look forward to for their offspring are successful toilet training and being able to safely buckle themselves into a car seat.

In today’s world, we all need to be fastened into something stronger (and bigger) than ourselves. No matter how much the realities of this world crash into our interpretation of normalcy. The Almighty needs to be the solid rock we cling to in the midst of any challenge (good or bad).

Consider Romans 8:33-39 (MSG) below in our topic of achieving against anything.

“So, what do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose? If God didn’t hesitate to put everything on the line for us, embracing our condition and exposing himself to the worst by sending his own Son, is there anything else he wouldn’t gladly and freely do for us?

And who would dare tangle with God by messing with one of God’s chosen? Who would dare even to point a finger? The One who died for us—who was raised to life for us!—is in the presence of God at this very moment sticking up for us.

Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ’s love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins listed in Scripture: They kill us in cold blood because they hate you. We’re sitting ducks; they pick us off one by one.

None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us. I’m absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us.”

We all know our own doubts, fears, and obstacles that keep us from achieving all the Heavenly Father wants us to. Often in the midst of your life, being held by someone that cares about your well-being can make all the difference.

The receiver of the hug must give up control, and submit completely to the power of the giver’s embrace (for it to do any good). Now, think of this action in connection to God. What would an emotional embrace from the Almighty feel like? The lyrics of a song by Casting Crowns pictures this concept beautifully.

Verse One
Hold it all together     
Everybody needs you strong
But life hits you out of nowhere
And barely leaves you holding on
And when you're tired of fighting
Chained by your control
There's freedom in surrender
Lay it down and let it go

Chorus
So when you're on your knees and answers seem so far away
You're not alone, stop holding on and just be held
Your world's not falling apart, it's falling into place
I'm on the throne, stop holding on and just be held
Just be held, just be held

There is no need to constantly feel like you are on some “divine elevator” that may (or may not) arrive at Heaven. Once you accept Jesus into your heart as your one and only Savior; it’s a done deal..

In a million years, you can never fall out of salvation. (John 6:39-40, 10:29) With this fact, your eternal destination goes from anxious to confident that you’ll make it to your heavenly destination (at the end of your life).

Jesus paid our sins (past, present, and future) with His blood sacrifice on the cross. As His followers, we do not stand guilty before Him. Our salvation is secure because of who Jesus is, and not because of anything we are. (Ephesians 2:8, 9)

Everyone experiences their own unique set of challenges. (Matthew 5:45) If we trust in our loving Heavenly Father, we are provided with the tools needed for victory (in every area of our life). His love (in every situation) is a constant.

As you interact with individuals in a sinful world, be encouraged by this chorus of a song from religious artist, Mandisa. Do you believe the lyrics below? (Better yet, are you living them?)

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

*Inspired by the sermon “Because You Belong…You Can Conquer Anything!” (Installment Six, Final) Pastor Dave Jansen, August 21, 2016, CenterPoint Church Gahanna, Gahanna, OH