Overcomes

May 25

Read: 1John 5:1-5

Overcomes

“For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world…” (v.4)

God will not allow you to be “overcome” by the world. The “world” cannot crush you. The circumstances around you cannot derail you. Somedays you might feel like you are being steamrolled… but in the end you will survive… you will make it through. This DOES NOT mean we are exempt from suffering. This DOES NOT mean we avoid earthly death. But the truth of the matter is that, “everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world.” I have felt the crushing blows of life… and I know you have as well. I have thought to myself, “I can’t take any more!… I am done… I quit…” It was in those very moments of distress that the Lord showed up in the most powerful of ways. For the first time it was REAL to me that God’s power becomes most clear in my weakness; God declares “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Cor. 12:9) When we feel like we cannot endure any longer we take refuge in this truth, “God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” (1 Cor. 10:13) We must walk through the fiery trial to come out the otherwise stronger. There is no easy way. You have been built for this… for the story of your life that God is writing. You have been made strong, and “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence…” (2 Peter 1:3) You have, deep within you, everything that you need “for life and godliness”

“For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome.” (v.3) God’s goal is NEVER to be overly burdensome. His goal is NOT to destroy you. His commandments are not burdensome. This DOES NOT mean they are effortless. No, to walk with the Lord requires effort… but it is not crushing or burdensome. What is it exactly that fuels us? “And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” As God’s people we are “sure of those things we hope for and have conviction in even those things we cannot yet see.” (cf. Heb. 11:1) To believe that Jesus is the Son of God is to believe that he is our “good shepherd”. (cf. John 10:10) It means that we are sure that WE will rise from our earthly death the same way that HE did. It means we look forward to the new earth, and that we do not fear those who can only kill the body, because we know the one who holds both body and soul in his hands! (cf. Luke 12:4, 1 John 4:18) The one who is in us truly is greater than the one who is in the world! (1 John 4:4)

Do not fear the world, or what it can throw at you. Do not be afraid to be broken down and made weak. These moments of trial and desperation lead us into the strength of the Lord. Everyone who has been born of God truly overcomes the world. These words are weak medicine when you are in the midst of it… I know. If you are at the bottom today, You are probably reading this and gritting your teeth. I am so sorry… I know what that is like. For those who are reading this “on top”, commit these bible passages to memory and to heart- your time will come. If you feel desperate today, like sin and the world are winning, the truth is that THEY ARE NOT. The Kingdom of God is unstoppable. Sin will not stand in its way. You are part of that Kingdom. You are a child of God. Take heart. Fear not. You WILL NOT be overcome.

Love you guys. - JDP