It’s
time to choose.
You’ve
just been handed a circumstance. It’s something you never wanted, never
expected, and weren’t prepared for. How
will you get “over it”?
a) Let it overtake you.
b) Let it overwhelm you.
c) Let it bring out the overcomer in you.
You might
have noticed that all of the questions begin with the word “Let”. That’s no
mistake. We might not be able to control
the circumstance we find ourselves in but we can choose how we respond to it. it.
And let’s be clear about one other matter… Our reaction and our response are
two different things. A reaction is immediate, it can include emotions and feelings,
anger and fear. A response is an action we
take after the dust has settled and we’ve thoughtfully decided how to move
forward. In a response we can take our
time, sort out our feelings from our options, and even seek advice.
Although
the we know the answer should be c) - we may feel trapped in a) or b). So let’s examine the choices to find out why
we might get stuck in the first two.
To
be overtaken by
a surprising circumstance can be like runners in a race that are met and then
passed by an opponent. We need to keep in mind that we may have this happen. It’s
probably what surprised us in the first place. We also need to keep in mind
that to be passed or overtaken by our opponent (Satan) doesn’t mean the race is
over. The winner has already been decided and it is all of us on God’s team. To
be a part of the winning team we can’t quit when the opponent seems to be in
the lead; we need to keep racing.
“For everyone who has been born again in God is a part
of the victory; and the weapon that has overcome the plans of the enemy is this
- our faith to continue.” 1 John 5:4 ES
I
am a child of the King
Highly
Favored
A
Blessed Overcomer |
To be
overwhelmed means to feel a strong and sudden emotion that leaves us unable to
move. This may seem like a valid choice given some circumstances that could be
thrown at us; however, the key here is to only allow ourselves to be overwhelmed
for a temporary period since being overwhelmed is a single element reaction –
emotional. For clarity, our emotions are not to be toyed with. They can be strong
and they can seem to last for long periods. They can feel uncontrollable. They
can be intense. They can also come back years after a situation has ended and
they can rise up without notice. Emotions are something to be managed. They are
not to be trusted when it comes to decision making.
Awhile
back, I heard a pastor say how much they loved pity parties and that they were
very good at them. They also said, “Feel
the feelings and have a party. Then, at midnight, end the party and kick out
the party goers and get some sleep – Tomorrow is a new day”. Feelings can help us identify the root of our
hurt, or when we’ve been wronged or betrayed. They are only indicators so we
can deal with the situation more appropriately. Just know, they can be tainted
by past experiences, influenced by hormones, and used by the enemy to get us
off track. We should use them for our
benefit but not be controlled by them, and certainly not be overwhelmed for
extended periods.
“I have said these things to you,
that in me you may have peace.
In the world you will have tribulation. But take
heart;
I have overcome the world.”
John
16:33 ESV
And
so we arrive at the best answer,
c) Let the situation bring out The Overcomer in us.
To
spite our feelings that rise up or our instant outlook of doom we do have an
overcomer in us. First, if we are born again in God we are His children and
therefore royal blood destined to win in the end. Secondly, the battle is the
Lord’s and it’s not our fight. He is in control of the outcome and is with us
on the journey to strengthen, comfort and guide. Lastly, whatever this world throws at us we
can be sure that God will use it for good and for our good.
“What
shall separate us from the love of Christ?
Shall
trouble or hardship or persecution or famine
or
nakedness or danger or sword?
No, in
all these things we are more than
conquerors
through him who loved us.”
Romans 8:35-37
We
may not like having to go through the surprising situation but if we put our faith
in God and keep our courage going we will come out on the other side and, as
Pastor Martinez says, “meet Jesus in victory He bought for us in advance and emerge
with a stronger faith and a story to tell. You might not care about this part as you are
going through the trial but God has given us a precious gift of power. You see, our story of faith can be used to
encourage others during their trial. It
is also one of only two things that overtake, overwhelmed and overcome Satan. Revelation 12:11 tells us, “They overcame the enemy by the blood of the Lamb, and
by the word of their testimony; because they both loved not their lives unto
the death.”
Jesus died and shed His blood as the sacrifice
for all people. We get to tell our story to others after we move through the
trials; some of which could have killed us. Blood, Faith and Victory over Death
– that’s what prevails over all of it.
Click here to see a music video of encouragement
HERE ARE THE LYRICS TO THE SONG. YOU MIGHT WANT TO PRINT THEM AND HANG THEM ON
THE FRIDGE OR YOUR DRESSING MIRROR, PERHAPS GIVE THEM TO A FRIEND.
"Overcomer"
Staring at a stop sign
Watching people drive by
T Mac on the radio
Got so much on your mind
Nothing's really going right
Looking for a ray of hope
Whatever it is you may be going through
I know He's not gonna let it get the best of you
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
Everybody's been down
Hit the bottom, hit the ground
Ooh, you're not alone
Watching people drive by
T Mac on the radio
Got so much on your mind
Nothing's really going right
Looking for a ray of hope
Whatever it is you may be going through
I know He's not gonna let it get the best of you
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
Everybody's been down
Hit the bottom, hit the ground
Ooh, you're not alone
Just take a breath, don't forget
Hang on to His promises
He wants You to know
The same Man, the Great I am
The one who overcame death
He's living inside of You
So just hold tight, fix your eyes
On the one who holds your life
There's nothing He can't do
He's telling you
Take a breath, don't forget, Hang on to His promises
You're an overcomer
So don't quit, don't give in, you're an overcomer
Don't quit, don't give in, you're an overcomer
Don't quit, don't give in, you're an overcomer
You're an overcomer
SongwritersHang on to His promises
He wants You to know
The same Man, the Great I am
The one who overcame death
He's living inside of You
So just hold tight, fix your eyes
On the one who holds your life
There's nothing He can't do
He's telling you
Take a breath, don't forget, Hang on to His promises
You're an overcomer
So don't quit, don't give in, you're an overcomer
Don't quit, don't give in, you're an overcomer
Don't quit, don't give in, you're an overcomer
You're an overcomer
BENJAMIN GLOVER, CHRISTOPHER E. STEVENS, DAVID ARTHUR GARCIA
Published by Lyrics © Universal Music
Publishing Group
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