Overcomers!

I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33

On June 6, 1944, D-Day, Franklin D. Roosevelt prayed for our soldiers going into fierce battle. These are some of his words: “Lead them straight and true; give strength to their arms, stoutness to their hearts, steadfastness in their faith. They will need Thy blessings. Their road will be long and hard. For the enemy is strong. He may hurl back our forces. Success may not come with rushing speed, but we shall return again and again; and we know by Thy grace, and by the righteousness of our cause, our sons will triumph.”

This prayer parallels the life of a believer and would be great for us to pray. We face struggles in this life; our road can be long and hard. The enemy is strong, and at times he may hurl us back. Though success may be slow, we do not give up. Instead, we rely on Him who has overcome to lead us in that which is true. We depend on Him to give us strength and steadfastness in our faith.

Who is He that has overcome? Jesus Christ our Lord! He has overcome the world! By His sinless life, His death and resurrection, Jesus has overcome sin and its effects on the world. He has overcome every sin with which you and I struggle. Presently, that sin can be defeated through Him!

Jesus has overcome Satan. Though Satan is presently active on earth, he is has no hold on believers. Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4). One day Satan and sin will be removed forever. Hallelujah!

Jesus has overcome man’s final enemy, death.  Death has been swallowed up in victory…But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (I Corinthians 15: 54, 57). Believers don’t experience death. Paul explains in 2 Corinthians 5:8 that to be away from the body is to be at home with the Lord.

Jesus has overcome!

Praise to You, Jesus, the Overcomer! Thank You that because believers are in you, we too are overcomers!

Jan Burkhart