John 16:33
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the

world.”

I am your typical 2^nd born child, stubborn, reckless, and competitive. I thrive when given deadlines, or opportunities to overcome or defeat something. It does not matter who you are, if you are standing between me and the finish line, please step out of the way. It is nothing personal, I just want to win. Grandma, hubby, mom, little man, they all know to clear the way because I am a comin and all is fare in love and war.

Part of me hates how competitive I am. One minute I am clawing for my husband’s jugular so I can take him down in a wicked game of dominos.

The next minute I am remorseful and ashamed by my anger and the ruthless desire to rip his head right off. In the end, mercy usually wins and I let him win (He will argue over the “letting win” part.)

The word overcoming seemed a natural fit for my blog  because I am driven by the desire to overcome. Through the grace, love, and salvation poured out upon me, overcoming is not only the theme of my existence, it is my calling and my destiny.

So how would you react if given the opportunity to play for a “team” guaranteed to win it all? The Super Bowl, World Series, Masters, NASCAR, Nobel or Pulitzer? How about making it on the cover of People or Time Magazine? What about Leader of the World. You name it, it’s yours. Chances are you are like me, thinking a person would have to be a complete fool to not take advantage of an offer of guaranteed success, and you are spot on! Years ago,  I was given the opportunity to win the humdinger of all contests, the one called life. You know, the game we are all contestants in, only the stakes are high, if not extreme because were playing for our lives. To win is eternity with Christ. To loose means eternal suffering and separation. The teams are set. On the right hand stands the Lord of the Universe, and on the left satan, sin, death, guilt, and eternal suffering.

Can you imagine the exhilaration it gives me to know that I am on the winning team! Life isn’t like middle school gym class, where you stand hunched yet hopeful you will not be the last name called as the popular kids  choose teams. Success isn’t based on popularity, might, ingenuity, or ability, but by a merciful and loving Savior. I didn’t have to deserve to be on His team, I was Loved onto it.

He called my name and chose me to be on His side long before time began. I was chosen to be on the winning team ages before battle lines were drawn and then crossed. Before I took my first breath, the enemy had been utterly defeated. All I have been asked to do is represent, endure, believe, finish well, to walk worthy.

Yee-Haw, I am on the winning team! Boo-Yah,  I win! The game of life death is over and I am on the right side of the line.  Overcoming isn’t an unrealized hope, it is my right and privilege. Sin and death lost their fangs thousands of years ago. They are the underdog, not I.

I am writing to you, little children,
because your sins are forgiven for his name’s sake.
¹³ I am writing to you, fathers,
because you know him who is from the beginning.
I am writing to you, young men,
because you have overcome the evil one.
I write to you, children,
because you know the Father.
¹⁴ I write to you, fathers,
because you know him who is from the beginning.
I write to you, young men,
because you are strong,
and the word of God abides in you,
and you have overcome the evil one.

I John 2:12-14 (ESV)

I live to Overcome because He has empowered and equipped me to Overcome. My life is a story of conquering. Not through my strength, might, or goodness, but through Him. If you search deep within the canvas of my life you will see the hand of He who overcame. Etched deep within every passing moment of my life is a scarlet story of might, purpose, strength, and conquering. “The Word of God abides within me and I Have Overcome the evil one!”