It’s very clear in the bible that all true Christians are to live a life that overcomes. Revelations 2:7 says “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.”
Which one of us does not want to eat from that tree of life? However, for us to do that, we must live an overcoming life of victory over sin; overcoming all our trials and hardships, being steadfast and unmoveable, dealing with our sinful hearts, and not allowing our circumstances to take away the joy and peace we have in Christ.
Learning Through Failure
I must admit, there have been many, many times throughout my journey that I failed in this area. I have been moved by jealousy and tempted to complain, but I was determined to cleanse those feelings since they did not produce a good outcome. I hungered for clean hands and a pure heart, as I knew what devastating effects came from jealousy and a complaining spirit.
You see, none of us are exempt from sorrows and trials in this life. Good and bad things happen to believers and unbelievers alike. But it’s what we learn from our failures and how we deal with them in Christ that matters.
The bible tells us in James, My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. (James 1:2-3 NKJV)
Overcoming by Teachable Moments
So, do you allow your life’s circumstances to teach you or destroy you?
Our circumstances can often lead us to make good decisions, but they can also lead us to the wrong ones. Discernment is needed through the guidance of the Holy Spirit alone. Learn from those whom the Lord has put into your life.
There are always ‘teachable moments’ in every encounter with others. Learn from them. Ask our heavenly Father what lesson needs to be learned in that situation.
Humble yourself and don’t force the Lord to humble you. It’s always humbling when the Lord corrects us. It’s a sure way for us to learn that lesson we didn’t want it to be revealed to us.
The greatest teachable moments are when we allow the spirit to do His work in us, without our pride getting in the way.
Hebrews 12:6 NKJV says, For whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives.
Overcoming by His Word
Psalm 119:11 NKJV reads Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You.
As I ponder on the above verse, I realize what the key is to overcoming hurt, temptations, and teachable moments. I must, without a shadow of a doubt, hide God’s words in my heart to stay steadfast on his promises. That is the key for me to be pleasing in his sight and for me to walk worthy of my calling. To him who overcomes, we must read and listen to God’s word, and be teachable through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit each day.
Finally, my brethren, Hebrews 12:1 says Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
May the peace of our Lord Jesus be with you all as you strive to overcome sin in this life.
