Overcomer

We are over-comers in Jesus’ name. In every season, in every moment, all the time. This is a statement of who we are in Him it’s not just an idea and it’s true whether we feel like it is or not. But don’t take my word for it, let’s take a look at these Scriptures. 1 John 4:17 says, “as he is, so also are we in this world.” John 16:33 Jesus says, “take heart; I have overcome the world.” Stop and think about those two truths. Okay, Jesus is an overcomer and if I am “like Him” then I am too–you are too!

So what does this mean? Friends, the fighter against you isn’t greater than the victor within you. Wait, that’s worth repeating, the fighter against you isn’t greater than the victor within you. Okay, so whatever you are facing right now: depression, loneliness, sadness, illness, hurt, pain, anxiety, lack of, whatever it is — it is NOT greater than the victory of Jesus. And, we get to align our thoughts to this truth as we claim victory over every area of our life. The fact is we have feelings that don’t align with the truth, but the truth is, our God is greater than our feelings.

Just this week, I was feeling pretty unmotivated to do anything. Which, if you know me, is not at all my norm. I mean, feeding my family was tough–I really just wanted to DoorDash everything and stay planted on the couch. My heart was hardened. I was unreceptive to the truth, I was reluctant to reach out to friends or Jesus, and I was frustrated. Really, I had no idea why I was even frustrated! Does this ever happen to you? I mean, it felt like the world was overcoming me, swallowing me whole sending me into a pit of darkness. It felt bad, it felt sad, it felt impossible to believe that I could overcome it. But then, I said the name of Jesus–out loud. I didn’t want to – okay – remember I was unreceptive and reluctant. I did it out of pure obedience, my faith level was low, but I know the truth in my heart and so I aligned my behaviors to match the truth. You know what happened?

God showed up. All of sudden, my feelings changed even though my circumstances hadn’t. The hardness in my heart became softer. I went to bed a little bit lighter than I had in days. What’s really special is the next day I woke up with an unrelenting motivation and hunger for Jesus. Desperate to reach out to Him, enjoying conversations with my family, talking with friends albeit virtually— all because I chose, out of obedience, to go against my fleshy feelings and align with His truth that the name of Jesus really is above everything (Philippians 2:9).

I already had the victory, it was just waiting to be claimed. So do you. As a follower of Jesus, you are the victor, not the victim. You’ve already won because He finished it on the cross. It’s not always easy, but then again, He never promised it would be. Heart work is the hardest work we can do friends. But everything we do in life flows from our heart so it is the most important work to do (Proverbs 4:23). He met me right where I was and He’ll meet you right where you are. This is where we find the freedom to live the abundant life He does promise.

So, wherever you feel the enemy against you, remember the victor is within you (Colossians 1:27). Claim the victory He’s already won, align with His truth about who you are in this world, and live free. Say the name of Jesus out loud, expecting Him to move in your life.

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Listen to this playlist made just for you to celebrate the victory already won in Jesus’ name. Share it to social media with #overcomer and tag me @ashleymaiebates!