OVERCOMERS THROUGH FAITH
For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.
1 John 5:4 (ESV)
It’s wild to me how quickly I can create false narratives in my mind. I recently received an incoming call with the generic description of Healthcare on the screen. I’d had a preventative screening the day before, and within seconds, I created this ridiculous story in my head about the bad news the doctor must be calling to give me. It turns out it was just my dentist calling to confirm an upcoming cleaning. I mentally spiraled into worry for nothing.
It's so easy to fill the space of what we don’t know with worry, fear and speculation. This is the mindset of our world. But a kingdom mindset offers us another option. We can choose to fill the unknown spaces with faith.
1 John 5:4 tells us that every child of God is an overcomer, and the key to our victory is our faith in Jesus, the ultimate overcomer. Jesus never promised us that we won’t have things to worry about. In fact, in John 16:33, He Himself assures us that we will have trouble. However, He doesn’t stop there. Jesus immediately follows His guarantee of trouble with encouragement to take heart; I have overcome the world. Remaining in relationship with Jesus with a heart that trusts and relies upon Him gives us the power to overcome the pressures and troubles of this world.
- When worry consumes us with what-if, faith lets us fix our thoughts on what is true, lovely, and praiseworthy.
- When worry rushes us towards worst-case scenarios, faith assures us that even in the worst circumstances, God is with us and His grace is sufficient.
- When worry paralyzes us with fear and holds us back, faith moves us forward with courage even when we’re afraid.
- Where worry creates unrest, faith produces peace.
You don’t have to live defeated by worry. Jesus has overcome, and staying connected to Him makes you an overcomer, too.
APPLICATION: Choose to fill the unknown spaces with faith instead of worry.
PRAYER: Jesus, when I start scripting false narratives in my mind that breed worry, fear and speculation, direct me back to You and fill me with faith. Thank You for overcoming the world and for sharing Your victory with me. Amen
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?