In the book of Revelation, John concludes each admonition to the seven churches talking about being an Overcomer. That is such an important word, in light of the fact that we awaken everyday to a real “winner takes all” war. The enemy is described as a roaring lion that is prowling about looking for someone to devour (not hassle, but devour). Therefore, learning how to overcome is extremely relevant, because you are either overcoming, or you are being overcome. It is that simple, and there is no in between. Maybe it will help us understand the nature of the battle if we can identify what being overcome looks like. It looks like fear, discouragement, anxiety, depression, anger, hopelessness, worry, frustration, despair, envy, jealousy, greed, lust, etc., etc., etc.. You get the point. All of those thoughts or feelings can attack us, but do we overcome them, or do we give into them, allowing them to overcome us. The same writer who challenged the seven churches to be Overcomers, is also the one who gives us the simple battle plan for victory in 1John 5:4, “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world-our faith.” It’s really that easy, and yet so incredibly difficult at times. To trust God; to walk in faith, is how we live the life of an Overcomer. Notice what it doesn’t say. It doesn’t say that you overcome when you can see how everything is going to work out ok. It doesn’t say you are an Overcomer when you feel better. Feelings are servants, not leaders. They simply reflect what your mind is set on, and what you believe. It says that Faith IS the victory. If you have faith, you’ve already got the victory. You are already overcoming. Faith acts like the thing is settled, though you don’t have a clue how its all going to look, you just KNOW that the One who knows what He is doing, and is Big enough to do it, has the entire matter in His hands. Faith is convinced that He is able. If you have a specific promise about the matter then that’s great, but even if you don’t, just the promise that the situation is His, and that He will bring about His promised Good is enough. That’s the battle plan; that’s how to be an Overcomer. Faith Is The Victory.
