More than a conqueror

A little over a week ago, I went on a ladies retreat with CBS. The leader asked us to share some of our favorite Bible verses. My mind initially drew a blank. I have many verses I like. But I pondered, "What is my 'life verse' or specific promise of God for this season of my life?" Later that afternoon as I was strolling through Callaway Gardens (where our retreat was held) with some dear friends, God brought to mind the verse I am to hold onto in this season.

"No in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us." Romans 8:37

As I have pondered this verse and researched it, the Holy Spirit brought it to life for me. Truly His Word is living and active. The first thing I saw that was exciting was the phrase "in ALL these things". Looking back at verse 35, Paul writes "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?" The answer is no. Nothing can separate us from the love of Jesus Christ. And in ALL these things, we are more than conquerors. God has given us the power to be a conqueror in EVERY situation we face no matter how hard it may be. WOW!

The next thing that God showed me is that we are not only to be a conqueror but to be MORE than a conqueror. The Greek word is hupernikao which means to gain a surpassing victory, to thoroughly conquer, to go beyond conquest. Wow, we win big! Beyond conquest means true abundant living, living life to the full. In John 10:10 Jesus says "The thief comes to steal, kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full."

That was so encouraging to me because it reminds me that no matter what I face, I can be victorious. I mean really win big - like a 1000 to nothing football game. And I can win big in every situation in my life, big and small alike. I can face it.

It gets even better. Here's the punch line: It's not even by my own strength or doing. I don't have to be strong enough to handle situations that come my way. Through 'him who loved us' we are more than conquerors. Through Christ Jesus, we have success and victory. Through His power, the same power that raised him from the dead, we have life and strength. Wow! He enables us, gives us joy and peace. He loves us sooooo much and nothing can change that. It's time to become MORE than a conqueror in every area of life through Jesus Christ who loves us.

So that is my verse for this season, to hold onto and be encouraged to persevere in all trials. I hope this encouraged you as well. It's not really a new concept. I think God was reminding me to stop trying to live my life in my own strength. I fail in my own strength. But with His strength, I can be more than a conqueror.