You Can Overcome

He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

Revelation 3:5-6

Jesus is ready to “confess your name before His father and before his angels”, He’s ready to open the door to eternity and record you name in the book of life… All these things He has said in His word that He will and would do and through John’s revelation we are reminded that they are still possible… In order for these promises to become reality you must hold up your end of the covenant; you must do your part and “overcome (as we see in our focus verses)”… The question may be posed at this time, what is it that we must overcome? The sin that we are born with is a sin that we do not recognize is present until we encounter Jesus… Saul thought that he was doing the right thing until Jesus spoke to Him, the rich young man thought he had done everything right until his heart was brought into question and Nicodemus observed the law as best he could; however, he became a follower of Jesus when he learned from the savior that “you must be born again…” The world will have you think that the things of this life is what you need to be focused on; it is far easier for us to go with the flow than to go against the grain; however this is what we are called and challenged to do… 

This is what John means when he speaks about overcoming; the desires and temptations that you face must be overcome and in order to do that your life must be placed in the saviors hands… Sin is a natural pleasure and it is one that we (just like babies) must be weaned off of… Often times when people talk about Jesus and the saving power that is bestowed through His sacrifice of love; however, they forget to mention that you must choose to accept this offering and in order to do that you must first turn from your natural way of thinking…. Despite what people may try to portray to you, this journey in seeking the very presences and will of God is no “cakewalk”…

This passage declares to the true Christian how hard this journey really is… It shines light on the fact that walking as a child of God is much harder and trying tha living a life of sin and adhering to the standards of the world. Notice and take to heart how the revelation begins with “HE THAT OVERCOMETH!” This immediately draws attention to the fact that even beginning your Christian walk comes with a lot of trials and temptations. What is it that you have to overcome, for some it could be the mistakes of history, it could be the lust of the flesh, generational curses, or even the power of ego and greed. Whatever the case maybe, we have to be prepared for this journey and all the twist and turns that will come along the way. I can assure you that every step you take on this path will be a little rocky and uncertain, people that you love may be withdrawn from you, jobs that you have may be stripped from you, and even your family relationships may become desolate.

Jesus said he will never leave you nor forsake you, he didn’t say that I will make sure that you don’t have sleepless nights or pain. God said we will reap a harvest if we faint not, he didn’t say I will make sure that the sun doesn’t beat down on you so that you feel the hardships of labor! We all must endure, that is why Paul said that we must forsake everything behind us and press toward the mark. You will sweat when you press toward the mark, you will cry out sometimes when you press toward the mark, you will feel only sometimes when you press toward the mark, you will be frustrated sometimes as you press on, you will feel abandoned sometimes when you press on, but know that God has assured you that your work is not in vain. Know that he has assured you that he will be with you always. This revelation states that you will be clothed in white, a sign of purity, all you sins will be forgiven as you press, your failures will be transformed into testimonies and you name shall appear in the book of life. When you cross over you will hear the words “WELL DONE THOW GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT!” You will be able to enter in and not be turned away. So even in the uncertain times, even in the confused times, press on, continue to strive, don’t give up, and keep the faith. Remember that passage starts off by saying, HE THAT OVERCOMETH, it will be hard, but every hurdle can be jumped, every test can be passed, and the devil can be defeated… You have the ability to succeed on this journey no matter what comes your way; the question is whether or not you want to!!!!

ALL FOR HIS GLORY!