Overcoming
Brianna Spencer
Living an overcoming life is the theme of many charismatic sermons, devotionals, and books, but the truth is, true overcomers are in short supply. This is because overcoming is not just a feeling. Overcoming the world is a necessity. James 4:4 says, “…know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.” I must first decide to hate the world. If I love the world, then there is no reason for me to overcome it, and I thus become the enemy of God. Not many are willing to shun the world, in order to overcome it, but for those who are willing, God gave us a plan. The first step is found in I John 5:5, “Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?” So, by believing that Jesus is deity, I am already on the right track. But there is so much more to overcoming than that.
Nothing good comes easy. That is where my old nature would quit searching, but if I truly believe that Jesus is the Son of God, how can I be content to settle there? I found a verse that sums up the sacrifice. Revelation 12:11 “And they overcame…they loved not their lives unto the death.” They loved not their lives…how can this be made any more plain? I love my life, but will I deny that love in order to overcome? Am I that dedicated to the cause of Jesus? There have been men and women throughout history that were so dedicated to causes that they gave up their lives. Yet, today our world is rotten with self-love. Is it possible to be so consumed with passion for Christ that life itself is empty without Him? I believe that these are the times when incredible sacrifice is most necessary. Let me remind you that when my life becomes filled with love for Jesus, sacrifice becomes a joy!
Jesus made a promise before He was crucified. “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me you might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”(John 16:33) I am going to have difficult times and struggles, but I can have peace because Jesus has already won the battle. I can overcome, knowing that I am following in His footsteps every day!
Brianna is a hard worker in the ministry of Riverdale Assembly of God. Her involvements in the ministry include writing for this blog, singing in the Ambassador Youth Choir, working with her parents, Brian and Susan Spencer on the Ambassador Puppet Team, working with children on a bus route for the Fathers House Ministry, and volunteering her time as a teacher at Riverdale Christian Academy. She lives in Riverdale with her parents and three siblings. Brianna faithfully attends Riverdale Assembly Of God.