For anyone who has followed my blog since I started it several years ago, you will know that it has been anything but consistent.
In fact, I've struggled with consistency so much, I've actually considered writing a book about it! Ha!
The reality is I am a real woman who struggles with real stuff. I have three kids (2 teenagers!) who are involved in a lot of activities, a house that doesn't clean itself, and laundry that never ends.
It is difficult most days to stay on task as I tend to get easily distracted. There are many good intentions floating around inside my brain and there are several lists of projects that have been waiting to be tackled for quite some time.
Even though I am blessed beyond measure, the truth is life can be overwhelming.
At times I have been consumed with worry and frustration. Sometimes it has been difficult to find the words to encourage others when I have struggled myself. Perhaps that is why I have had an on again off again relationship with this blog.
Sadly, I have allowed the enemy to often steal my joy rather than be the overcomer I am meant to be in Christ.
So, I’ve decided to share some of the reminders I have received lately from Jesus. We weren’t meant to overcome the adversities of this life alone. He has given us a wonderful, powerful, Counselor and Comforter - the Holy Spirit!
The Comfort Zone:
John 14:27 (NIV) “Peace I leave with you; peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” ~ Jesus
John 16:33 (NIV) “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.” ~ Jesus
His beloved disciple, John, tells us in 1 John 5:4 (NIV) for everyone born of God overcomes the world…
And finally, in the Book of Revelation, over and over in the letters to churches, it is said, “to him who overcomes…__________.” (See Rev 2:7, Rev 2:11, Rev 2:17, Rev 2:26, Rev 3:5, Rev 3:12, and Rev 3:21.) Please take a few minutes to read over all that God has promised to him who overcomes!
I have written in my Bible from a past study that the word overcomes (in these passages from Revelation) actually means, “still overcoming.” The word is in present tense form. Not intended as something we do once and pass the test, but rather a continual overcoming of the struggles, trials, and sufferings we face.
Okay, so I may continue to be consistently inconsistent…
There are still things that worry me (though I try to turn my worry into prayers).
There are still areas in which I struggle that I feel I should be victorious by now.
And that’s exactly why I need to remember more than ever to focus on the One Who can help me overcome.
Lord, I thank you that no matter how overwhelming life gets, You have promised that we are not here alone. We thank You for the Helper, the Counselor, the Comforter, You sent us. We love You and praise You for all that You overcame for us. Help us to be overcomers through the power of Your Holy Spirit. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
As Mandisa sings, let’s be an overcomer this year!
Christy
© 2014 by Christy Long. All rights reserved.