Overcome Anything Through Him
WRITTEN BY KATHRYN GUILD
Overcoming; a powerful verb that rings of hope and triumph. The concept of “overcoming” is one that is central to both the experience and identity of living as a Christ-Follower. The act of overcoming, however, implies the existence of some form adversity to “overcome.”
Without a doubt, the primary adversity in the life of every human being in the presence of sin. The sinful nature of man has the capacity to influence the thoughts, words, and actions that manifest throughout the lifetime of a person. As believers, however, we are given the assurance in God’s Word that the power of Sin has already been overcome by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
“But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ,” 1 Corinthians 15:5.
Jesus Himself assures us of His power in John 16:33:
“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.”
But what about the day-to-day adversity that feels entirely unrelated to active sin in the life of a believer?
Periods of depression, unexpected life changes, and unfortunate circumstances still impact the life of a believer — and can often feel like greater obstacles to the hope, joy, and abundant life found in Christ.
How can we “overcome” that which feels entirely out of our control?
Worldly knowledge may encourage us to pull ourselves us by the bootstraps and get through these difficulties on our own. It is from this mentality that many have formed the belief that “God never gives us more than we can handle.”
The assumption, however, couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, I would go as far to say that God absolutely gives us things that we cannot handle on our own willpower or human strength.
Why? Because the trials of this life are not meant for us to handle in the first place.
We are told in Isaiah 40:29 that “He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless.”
God does want to demonstrate His power in our adversity. But in order for this to happen, we must be obedient to the season to which He has called us, no matter how difficult.
Sitting through these painful seasons is only possible when we acknowledge our need for a Savior — one who can overcome these adversities — and allow Him to do the heavy lifting in our place.
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness,” 2 Corinthians 12:9.
It is through our difficulties and trials that Christ’s power is put on display. In admitting our weakness and insufficiency, we are able to wield Christ’s strength and sufficiency. He gives us the power to persevere. He gives us the strength to overcome. He gives us the endurance to continue against all human odds. And through it all, He makes us more like Him.
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything,” James 1:2-4.