More Than a Conqueror
By Cindi McMenamin
Bible Reading:
“In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us” (Romans 8:37 NIV).
The writer of Romans 8 told us about our victory in Christ. He elaborated on our victory over sin, through Christ Jesus, and celebrated with us that there is no condemnation for those of us who are trusting in Christ Jesus for our salvation.
But do you feel victorious today? Would you consider yourself a conqueror in all things, as verse 37 states? Or do you see yourself more as a failure or, at best, one who survives?
Life gives us plenty to fear, to worry about, to become anxious over. And yet Scripture gives us every indication that worry and fear are unnecessary when we suit up in our identity as a warrior and an overcomer in Christ.
Notice I said warrior, not worrier
A worrier is one who tries to fight battles of fear, insecurity, and doubt on one’s own. A warrior, on the other hand, lets God fight those battles through him or her.
Ephesians 6:12 tells us, "we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies [like the person or situation that is making your life miserable], but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places" [like the unseen thoughts, fears, and frustrations that cloud your judgment, persuade you to worry, and tempt you to stress out].
But you are not destined to succumb to the battle.
Intersecting Faith & Life:
Here's how you can tell if you're a worrier or a warrior:
A worrier says: "I'm so nervous about this situation. I've never done anything like this before.”
A warrior says: "God has gone before me into this situation, so I have nothing to fear."
A worrier says: "There's no hope."
A warrior says: "My hope is in the Lord..."
A worrier says: "What if something bad happens?"
A warrior says: "God causes all things (even the bad things) to work for good to those who love Him" (Romans 8:28).
A worrier says: "I'm not strong enough. Surely I will fail."
A warrior says: "The Lord is my strength" (Psalm 28:7) and "If God is for me, who can be against me?" (Romans 8:31).
Did you notice the primary difference between a worrier and a warrior? The worrier looks at the world and one’s circumstances through physical eyes. They see (or don’t see), and they fear.
The warrior is looking in the Word and has God's response for every situation he or she encounters. They see with spiritual eyes from God’s perspective—the perspective of a victor, an overcomer, a conqueror.
Romans 12:2 tells us, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect."
To conform to this world is to worry like every other person in the world.
To be transformed by the renewing of your mind is to think differently—as a warrior thinks, as a warrior who knows where their strength is, where the power is, and to Whom they belong.
So which one are you? A worrier or a warrior? A victim or an overcomer? A worrier can turn into a warrior at any time. A victim can suddenly be an overcomer. Your transformation is just a prayer away.
Lord God, grant me, according to the riches of Your glory, to be strengthened with power through Your Spirit inwardly (Ephesians 3:16-17) so that I can be a person of faith, not fear—a warrior, not a worrier, an overcomer, not a victim. It’s in the powerful, victorious, overcoming name of Jesus that I pray this. Amen.
Will you join me today in the ranks as a warrior?
Further Reading:
Ephesians 6:10-18
For more on becoming a warrior, not a worrier, see Cindi’s book, 10 Secrets to Becoming a Worry-Free Mom.
How did today’s devotional speak to you? Share your thoughts in the Crosswalk Devotional discussion.
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/Nicholas77
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