Prevailing Faith
"Conquer" and "prevail" are two other English words used for "Overcome". It is the Greek word "nikao" (pronounced "nik-ah-o"). www.netbible.org defines it as ... 1) of Christians, that hold fast their faith even unto death against the power of their foes, and temptations and persecutions; and 2) when one is arraigned or goes to law, to win the case, maintain one's cause.
The image I have in my mind is of exercising and working out and all the temptations and reasons that come into my mind to not exercise or not exercise as much... I'm tired, too windy, too cold, didn't eat lunch, running short on time, missing one day won't be a big deal, too old, etc., etc., etc.
Bottom line they are all excuses and if I expect to reap the benefits of a healthy body - I must "prevail" and "overcome". There will always be reasons & temptations not to workout. I must hold on to the truth and the maintain the cause and goal of working out.
There are so many temptations and reasons to not totally adhere to what Christ says...popular opinion, experiences of others, bad things happening to good people, religion, my own mind games that something doesn't make sense, fear of being uncomfortable, fear of losing pleasure and fun, etc., etc., etc.
Bottom line is I must hold fast to the truth of Christ. Life is about Him. He is alive. I have been crucified with Him (which means I am alive with Him). Even when it doesn't make sense or I am at a seemingly disadvantage or I don't have a logical answer for "what does the Bible say about ..."? or even when someone's personal experience contradicts what Jesus says... I must "prevail" and "overcome" and hold fast to HIS truth.
My life is not about me or my experiences or my pleasure and comfort or my understanding. I know this sounds like I am resolving to a life of misery and loss of enjoyment. However, it is actually the exact opposite. Overcoming and prevailing leads to life - here and in eternity. Abundant life. Hope life. Peace life. And yes even fun life.
It is about Christ. It is all about Christ. I must hold fast to Christ.
Created about 2 years ago
