Scripture tells us that we are victorious. But what, exactly, have we been a conqueror over? If we were really victorious, why do we feel weary, and defeated? How do we fight?
I’m a bit of a brawler. I am little, but in some situations I act like I am 6 foot 4, and 250 pounds. Typically, I blame this on my mother. She was the same way. Getting my dad into fights, being kicked out of places. She blamed it on being Irish and high blood pressure.
When I feel passionate about something, mainly my family and my friends, I am completely devoted. And there better not be anyone messing with them. My mama bear instincts come out strong for all those I care about. I’ll fight, and deal with the consequences later if I need to.
I’m not one to cower. I know who the real enemy is, and I know how to fight. This is why the other day I found myself “prayer boxing”. Yep, I was spouting scripture while throwing punches. Jab, jab, hook.
We have superpowers…
With Jesus in our heart, we have superpowers. We have HIS power.
In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
John 16:33, NIV
Since it is not us who have the superpower, our best way to fight is to call upon the Lord to do the fighting. Our job is to stand firm. Standing firm requires being rooted in scripture and knowing who God is.
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
James 4:7, ESV
Victorious…
…we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
Romans 8:37, ESV
I’m not saying with these powers we won’t suffer. Actually, I guarantee that we will. I love that verse in Romans, stating I am a conqueror. It makes me feel strong, and powerful. It is not, though, the full story. The first part of that verse says, “in all these things”. And what are these things that we are conquerors over? According to verse 35, in the New Living Translation, it is: trouble, calamity, persecution, hunger, destitution, danger, death.
The superpower doesn’t mean that we are immune from attack. It does, however, allow us to overcome in spite of the suffering. In spite of our world crumbling around us, we stand with a joy and a peace that makes no sense. We can do this because nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:39).
The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7, ESV
Our victory is not over hardship; it is over evil, and sin. Our battles are raging, but we are guaranteed victory.
For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.
1 John 5:4-5, NLT
When we are weary…
There are times though that we become weary. The battle is unrelenting. Our defenses are low. We are tempted to give up and give in. The Lord knows this, and we are not condemned for this. Please don’t hear me saying that we are wrong or weak if we are weary. Conviction, maybe, but that comes from the Lord. Guilt, and shame, do not!
In these moments, we need the help and support of others. It’s time to call in for back up. When we can no longer stand and fight, bring in reinforcements, people who will take up the fight for you. We are to carry one another’s burden (Galatians 6:2). Know who you can call upon, and being vulnerable, ask for help.
When we can no longer stand and fight, bring in reinforcements, people who will take up the fight for you. Click To Tweet
Your battle…
What battle are you fighting? Do you need someone to stand with you? The ladies at Oh Lord Help Us are willing to stand with you in battle. If you would like prayer, please reach out.
“The superpower doesn’t mean that we are immune from attack. It does, however, allow us to overcome in spite of the suffering. ” Great reminder! Thanks for the lovely post!
Love this! I definitely need the reminder that I will grow weary at times and need help from others. How humbling it is when those moments happen! But it teaches me in yet another way that it’s not by my own strength I face each day.
Thanks for these great reminders Rachel. It sounds as if you and I share some experiences of learning how to fight. In my case, I learned how to fight in the flesh but not so much about fighting in the spirit- which is where the true battleground lies!
I was reminded of Ephesians 6:12: “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” So when we literally fight in the flesh, with our bodies, with our words, or with the silent treatment, we lose. But when we fight against the attack we face in the spirit realm, wielding the sword of the spirit, which is the Word if God, and holding high our shield of faith, we win! Praise God!
I am the opposite of scrappy! I am a smoother and a mediator. That’s has been beneficial for me in tangible, real-life situations. (Hence why I’m a therapist.) But I’m not so great at being spiritually scrappy either. That is an area I’m currently focusing on. How to build up my armor and be prepared for battle!
Love all your reminders and inspiration to fight! We are overcomers and conquerors!
LOL superpowers! I hadn’t thought of it like that. You are right though, we have access to the God of the Universe and His spirit that lives in us… we can let Him fight for us and live in Victory!
Presently we are studying the book of Romans at our place of worship. I’m now learning fondamental truths about GRACE, JESUS being the SOURCE of which justification , sanctification and glorification has been declared. Thank YOU JESUS, for being my DEFENDER. I’m victorious!!
Omar, I love that! Yes, we are victorious because He is our defender!! Amen!