The Lord says that I am an overcomer, and not defeated. Overcomers are followers of Christ who successfully resist the power and temptation of the world’s system, and the devil’s attempt “to steal, kill and destroy” our lives. An overcomer is not sinless, but holds fast to faith in Christ until the end. He does not turn away when times get difficult or become an apostate. Overcoming requires complete dependence upon God for direction, purpose, fulfillment, and strength to follow His plan for our lives. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” (Prov 3:5-6).

The Greek word most often translated “overcomer” stems from the word nike which, according to Strong’s Concordance, means “to carry off the victory; the verb implies a battle”. The Bible teaches Christians to recognize that the world is a battleground, not a playground. God, who does not leave us defenseless, makes available His armor for our battles (Eph 6:11-17), but we must put it on and take it up. Scattered throughout this narrative is the admonition to “stand firm”. Sometimes all it takes to overcome temptation is to stand firm and refuse be dragged into it. “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7) An overcomer is one who resists sin no matter what lures Satan uses, submitting instead to the Lord.

To carry off the victory, we need to claim God’s Word, which is the Sword of the Spirit: “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” (Rom 8:37) Overcoming is often equated with enduring. Jesus encouraged those who followed Him “But he who endures to the end shall be saved.” (Matt 24:13). A true disciple of Christ is one who endures through trials by the power of the Holy Spirit. An overcomer clings to Christ, no matter how high the cost of discipleship. “For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end.” (Heb 3:14)

In the book of Revelation, Jesus promised great reward to those who overcome. Overcomers are promised that they will eat from the Tree of Life (2:7); be unharmed by the second death (2:11); eat from hidden manna and be given a new name (2:17); have authority over the nations (2:26); be clothed in white garments and claimed by Jesus (3:5); be made a permanent pillar in the house of God and Jesus will write His name on us (3:12); and sit with Jesus on His throne (3:21). Jesus warned that holding fast to Him would not be easy, but it would be well worth it. We have the guarantee of Jesus that, if we are His, we will be able to endure to the end and His rewards will make it all worthwhile (Mark 13:13). “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches” (Rev 2:7a).

Jesus said, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)  Because we are God’s children, we also overcome the world. “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” (1 Jn 4:4) We are promised, “For with God nothing will be impossible” (Luke 1:37). 

Because I am His child, whatever event that happens today, whatever words are said (even in my own head), I will hold to the truth of God’s Word (the Sword of the Spirit) that says I am an overcomer, and that the battle is His not mine (1 Sam 17:47)! “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.” (2 Cor 10:4-6)

Father, thank You for giving us Your Word, and the Holy Spirit who shows us how to apply it. Lord I thank You for reminding me that because I am in Christ, I am an overcomer through Him who loves me. Thank You for Your armor that You give us that are mighty in You and give us the ability in Christ to cast down the lies of our enemy. Thank You for Your direction, Your strength and Your love, and for reminding me that the battles I face are not mine, but Yours. Lord, when I forget where the battle is truly waged, please remove whatever scales are on my eyes so that I am able to clearly see from Your perspective. In the precious name of Jesus, amen.