Week 13 | OVERCOME

Week 13 | OVERCOME

"I have told you these things so in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome this world."

King David was a young shepherd who became famous for OVERCOMING challenges and killing the giant Goliath with only a sling and a stone from a riverbed. David was named the next king of Israel as a teenager, but instead of ascending to the throne, he spent years on the run from King Saul. 

Before OVERCOMING and defeating the giant Goliath, David became Saul's armor-bearer because his harp was so soothing that Saul called for David whenever he was vexed by an 'evil spirit' sent by God (I Samuel 9:16).

After OVERCOMING Goliath and prompting the Philistines to flee, the people, including King Saul, praised and loved David. David married Saul's daughter Michal and became a close friend of Saul's son Jonathan. But King Saul became jealous and upset with David, and Saul tried to kill him. David spent a lot of his early life running from Saul, even running into enemy territory.

Have you ever thought everything was going great only to let your guard down before facing extreme obstacles and adversity? Have you ever been in a game where you thought and felt like you were running away with a huge win, and then the other team created a few turnovers, took away a few rebounds, made a few shots, and stole all momentum of a game that thought and felt that you had won?

This is what David felt, but with much greater consequences.

While David went through his struggles, he cried, grieved, and mourned to God. David had honest conversations with God about his situation while holding onto hope that God would restore him.

David cried out to God for justice, and David remembered God's faithfulness. Focusing on God's faithfulness reminded David of God's character, and knowing God's character helped him hold onto hope in the hardest of situations and OVERCOME them all. David eventually became king, he expanded his territory until his nation became dominant, and many considered him the ideal king, as successful in peace as in war who was beloved by God as well as his people.

Setbacks are hard. Setbacks don't feel good. They can make us question whether or not we are doing the right thing or on the right path. But if we believe in God, if we believe in Jesus, and if we believe that all things are working together for good to those who love God, and to them who are called to according to His purpose, then God will provide us with peace, joy, and the strength, power, and authority to defeat everything that challenges us. If we believe and love others, we can OVERCOME any and all obstacles in our way.

God gives strength to the weary and to him/her who lacks might, He increases power. We all get tired and grow weary, and we all stumble, but those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength, they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, and they will walk and not become weary.

There is greatness within you. Something good is going to happen to you and through you. Handle adversity and challenges appropriately. Every day, say, "Something good is going to happen to and through me. I receive blessings to be a blessing to others. I pray that I find someone that I can bless, help, and serve."

This Week

1 - When you face a challenge, ask "What is this preparing me for? What can I gain from OVERCOMING this?"

2 - When you see someone else struggling, ask God, "How can I help, serve, or bless this person? How can I help fill their bucket?" This week, find one person whom you can help and inspire.

Read and download the Google doc version here: Week 13 | Overcome