For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. 1 John 5:4
The scripture assures that those who are born of God are overcomers. There is also an emphasis given on the significance of “FAITH” in overcoming the difficulties. It is nothing but leading a life of victory by having faith in Jesus. It sounds simple to follow. But why do we still see many of us going through defeat, struggles, and confusion and not experiencing the fullness of joy that God has promised?
We live in an ungodly world system that is saturated in sin and seeks to entrap us all in its many and varied temptations and enticements. In this hostile environment, how can one lead a life of victory or be an overcomer? What are the attributes of an overcomer?
An overcomer is someone who chooses God above all else. Someone who overcomes this by training or disciplining themselves to choose the pleasures of the spirit over the pleasures of the flesh. It requires conscious effort. An overcomer continues to pursue even when it gets hard. An overcomer chooses to stand up for what they believe in even when naysayers and doubters would want them to do otherwise. Standing up for what is right is never easy, but it is not impossible. Paul discussed the defence mechanism believers should employ to keep themselves safe from the devil’s schemes in Ephesians. Ephesians 6:11–18
The Bible has many stories about people who overcame great difficulties and became more stalwart in their faith because of it. To quote quite a few, the lives of Joseph, Daniel, Esther, Job, etc. Those people whose faith caused them to do great things for God. There are stories of people who suffered a lot of hardship for their faith but still persevered.
When we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour, we become a new creation. We put off our old selves and take on a new name and a new identity. No longer are we slaves to sin; we are overcomers. As you go about your day, carry with you the knowledge that you are born of God, endowed with the power of faith to overcome by putting on the Armor of God. Let this truth be a source of confidence and peace in all that you do.
