Introduction: Overcome What?

– by Christy Austin –

 

If you have been a Christian for any length of time, the word “overcome” has probably wiggled its way into your framework on some level.  Because our framework is dependent upon our perceptions, upbringing, and circumstances, this “overcoming” concept may be defined differently by each of us.

 

From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible is filled with stories of men and women who have overcome adversities.  From cover to cover, God has been glorified.  Though this anointed text was written thousands of years ago, overcomers did not stop with John on the Isle of Patmos.  We each have a personal invitation to be a part of this triumphant story.  In fact, if you listen closely, the saints are cheering us on.  And I have a feeling they are being led like a symphony by the One who overcame all.

 

When we begin our Christian journey, we are emphatically full of excitement to be “used” by God.  The echo of Isaiah’s heart “I will go” calls out to each of our zealous souls as we surround ourselves with warm, fuzzy Christian biographies.  Dreams of grandeur arise and shape into ideals of full time ministry and evangelism.  Of course, our enthusiasm is unequivocally within the parameters of our own terms and conditions.  In fact, we may have several suggestions for God about how the process could look.  “Jesus, I will gladly be the next Michael W. Smith.  Send me, I’ll go sing in front of thousands, produce best selling CD’s, and sacrifice myself to be known as one of the greatest Christian artists of our century.  I’ll tour the world and ‘suffer’ for You in my chic, air conditioned bus.  If you want, I’ll even throw in a few hours of charity work.”  Of course, this isn’t wrong, but this particular story was only written for a few.  When our ideals of ministry fail to produce anticipated results and our Christian life looks nothing like we initially envisioned, we feel deflated.  We question God’s goodness.  We wonder why.  We beg God to change things.

 

What if my very purpose on this earth is to glorify God in every single circumstance of my life?  What if those circumstances oppose my predictions?  Perhaps, they are my worst nightmare come true.

My deepest, darkest fear plays itself out on the stage of my life.

All of my hopes are ripped out beneath my wobbly feet.

Perhaps I land in the most agonizing pain I could imagine.

Good news: all these scenarios create the perfect canvas for a brilliant picture of overcoming to play itself out.

 

When adverse circumstances loom, like most, I used to beg God to remove the pain.  After all, why wouldn’t He?  I now ask Him to draw me close to Him.  The conclusion I am reaching is that God is less concerned with my personal comfort than He is my relationship with him.  Further, He wants to use me to bring glory to His name.

 

The process of overcoming is simple.  We are created to bring glory to God in a way no one else can.  In fact, He gives us a unique set of circumstances and situations to accomplish that mission.

 

What if the whole purpose of Stephen’s life and so many more were to bring God glory in the midst of death and reflect the heart of Jesus in the midst of agonizing moments so others would be drawn to Him in a way they never would be without that particular observation?

 

Are we still on board for Jesus if we receive this particular mission?

 

If you are not personally familiar with an overcoming moment, you will be.  Our very existence lends many opportunities to die to self, crucifying my own wants, dreams, and desires while simultaneously embracing His.  The end goal is to master this dying process.  The grand finale occurs at the conclusion of life on this earth. It’s only then we might utter words that somehow reflect the heart of Jesus which will bring glory to all those who look on.  What better way to master that final moment, where we overcome physical death, than a life time of practicing dying daily.

 

Confession: I cannot do this on my own without the Holy Spirit flowing through me.