For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith ~ 1 John 5:4.
Introduction:
All men strive for greatness and gracious fulfillment in life. But, we have long known that the journeys of destiny are never simple and straightforward. The truth is, there’s no path to greatness without concrete obstacles. One wise man said, “If you can find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn't lead anywhere”.
Many overwhelming obstacles will always seek to harm your confidence, passion and progress, even to the point where it may seem like your dream no longer holds value.
Israel had just been rescued from age-long servitude, and they were journeying to the place God had promised them, Canaan: a land flowing with milk and honey. And, quite unexpectedly, just a short while into the journey, they bumped into this strong obstacle: the Wall of Jericho!
The wall, no doubt, was quite insurmountable, humanly speaking. According to Josephus’ historical account, it was thick enough for six horsemen to ride side-by-side upon it. Even then, God knew how to handle it! And, He did (Joshua 6:1-20)!
Obstacles and stonewalls abound in the various corridors of life. Notwithstanding, as long as you’re alive in Christ, it’s never too late to become what you were created to be. But you must be ready to deal decisively with the enemies at the gates of your destiny (Luke 11:22).
All Christians have the authority to defeat their enemies and the persistent difficultiesthey bring. Waging prophetic warfare is one of the major tools available to us to defeat them and fulfill our assignments on Earth. Thus, the overcomers are those believers in Christ who forcefully resist and successfully repel the myriads of satanic manipulations in this present world.
A long time ago, I knew a Christian sister in our church who, before she encountered the Lord’s victorious power, was so hindered by invisible obstacles that she was literally using her HND civil engineering certificate as a dust packer. Afterwards, by mercy, she overcame and recovered her lost glory.
Meanwhile, whenever God allows His people to go through great trials, He is certainly preparing them for great comforts. In other words, “where you are” presently may be because of “where you’re going”. Press forward, your tomorrow is still very colourful!
Our Faith In Christ Secures The Victory
Unarguably, there are certain proper processes that throw up breakthroughs in life, and it’s my well-considered belief that faith in Christ’s finished atoning work is a foremost step towards a boundless and truly victorious life.
Jesus Christ overcame the prince of this world, Satan, by His death and resurrection (John 12:31; 16:33). He vanquished the great foe, and triumphed over all that would work our ruin. And, having trounced him, Jesus laid the foundation for our timeless victory over sin, Satan, sicknesses, poverty, fear and death.
Now, this affirmation is for all who are born of God on the ground of Christ’s vicarious sacrifice. Every believing soul today, and all those who would repent and embrace the love of God before the imminent rapture of saints may enjoy total victory and abundant life. Indeed, Jesus Christ has brought us unfailing help and strength from above.
Gleefully, our victory over the world is a present and a continuous victory: “overcometh the world” (1John 5:4). We overcome Satan, the god of the world, thelusts of the flesh and all the wicked menand women of the world, continuously. And, the means of partaking in this victory is our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ (1John 5:5).
This faith is embraced via genuine repentance and confession that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God (Mark 1:15). When we believe thus, we are automatically brought into union with Christ, become partakers of His victory, and overcome the world (1John 3:17; 4:4).
Emphatically, we’re not just fighting for victory, but rather claiming our possessions from the position of the victory that Jesus Christ has won for us (John 16:33; 1John 2:13-14). Our victory is a done deal (Revelation 12:11)! Alleluia!!
We are free men and women, with secure victory in Christ! The world, in its maxims, precepts and customs, has no further audacity to rule us (1 John 5:4). Nevertheless, we must resolve in all practical terms, to take no denial of this privileged position of victory we have obtained in Christ.
Whatever the issues are per time, by faith we must bring the Lord into the picture, immediately. And, we must choose to see clearly at all times. Whatever causes fear, should drive us to our God in prayers. Times of fear should be times of prayer!
We must see victory before we can expect to enjoy victory (Numbers 13:30). What wesee is what we get! Even our identity is very closely associated with our thoughts and feelings. Thoughts are things, people say. And, in the province of the mind, what one believes to be true, either is true or becomes true eventually (Psalms 27:13)!
We must also walk the Bible patterns in every detail of our lives. Even in prayers, the best we can say to God in prayer, is what He has said to us in His Word. We generally mess up in life when we miss the patterns. We miss roads when we ignore the maps.
Insist on living by divine precepts and instructions. Jesus said, what I do is what I see the Father do (John 5:19). This is the secured lifestyle that insures your tight covenant walk with God.
Furthermore, we must be very passionate about the sound of Jubilee. We must proclaim the love of God and the lordship of Jesus Christ with greatest passion, energy and enthusiasm. Passion is life. Albeit, we mustn’t forget to regularly give God all the glory with thanksgiving. In it all, He alone deserves our stewardship!
When all these precepts are in their right places in our lives, the power of the Lord swings into action to disable the powers of evil, and all the hitherto insurmountable obstacles to our progress fall flat. Thereafter, the rest is an unending story of miracles!
Friends, Satan is a humbled foe! Hold that tight!! All that we believers have to do is to put our trust in Jesus Christ, the Captain of our salvation, and putting on the whole armour of God, we must be fully assured that our victory is a foregone conclusion.
Fellow saints of God, you’re the overcomer! The Greater One, Jesus Christ, is in you (1John 4:4). Relax with Him in the overcomers’ throne, and begin in earnest to eat and enjoy the tree of life, even from this side of eternity (Revelation 2:7; 3:21). Yours is the decided victory. You won’t miss it, in Jesus name. Amen. Happy Sunday!
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Bishop Taiwo Akinola,
Rhema Christian Church,
Otta, Ogun State, Nigeria.
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