OVERCOME THE WORLD BY THE WORD (2)

“In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I HAVE OVERCOME the WORLD” – John 16:33b

Believers can OVERCOME the WORLD by GOD’s WORD, because our Lord Jesus Christ has: “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” (Jh.16:33). Jesus is saying: If you receive, believe, understand, and stand by MY WORDS, you will also overcome the world and remain cheerful even through life’s trials! To overcome is to get the better of in a battle, conflict, fight, struggle, or tussle; to conquer, defeat, surmount, or prevail over an obstacle or opposition. This may be a demonic or human enemy, satanic attack, adversity, temptation, sin, unholy habit, addiction, or one’s weakness.

Oppositions and Obstacles are not fun to deal with. They delay destiny and drag plans, processes, programmes, and projects. They keep people from moving forward in the dreams and desires that God has placed on their hearts. They block many others from seeing the untapped potential for their future. Yet, life’s maturing processes hardly ever occur outside of obstacles. There is not spiritual growth without oppositions. Every growing believer has at one time or the other dealt with incredible obstacles in the way of God’s direction for their lives.

The power of the world, the realm controlled by Satan, was defeated when Jesus accepted His Father's Will to go to the cross. He broke and defeated the power of sin and death through His own sacrificial death and his resurrection. He brought life and immortality to light. He ensured that death would not have the final say. Therefore, amidst life’s trials, we can take heart and have peace – not because things are easy, but because the tough trials of this life are temporary and are preparing for us “a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory” (2Cor.4:17).

He Who has conquered death says: “Put this to heart! Write it on the tablet of your heart – I have overcome the world of tribulation, trials, temptations, sin, sorrow, suffering, evil, and injustice. I have overcome the world and all its effects in your lives! Therefore, take heart.” Just after saying these words, Jesus went to the cross where He disarmed the rulers and authorities of this world. He rendered them impotent! Jesus has taken the sting out of sin and death (1Cor.15: 54-57). He has risen from the grave. He has been exalted at the Father’s right hand from where He sent His Spirit to us. Now the resurrected, overcoming, King of Kings and Lord of Lords dwells in us, by His Indwelling Spirit.

Beloved, because Jesus has overcome the world, never feel discouraged or defeated! Lift up your head, for you belong to the King who has conquered death. He has overcome the world, give you His peace, and promises to bring you into His perfect presence forever and ever. No matter what is going on in your life today, no matter what you are facing, no matter what trial or tribulation that surrounds you, do not walk with your head down. You have the overcoming, conquering King of all living inside of you. He is with you. You belong to Him. Lift up your head. He is your Help and Strength. He is your Joy and Peace. Lift up your eyes and look to Him, for He is your Hope. He is your Victory; the One who has overcome will help you to overcome all temptations, sins, struggles, trials, and tribulations. Jesus is with you!

Jesus, our Overcomer gives us Peace and Victory! Now, we are more than conquerors through Him who loved and still loves us (Rom.6:37). “For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom.8:38-39). Our peace is not in the absence of strife or troubles, but in Jesus and what He has done to make our future sure!