You are an overcomer

“This is the only race worth running. I’ve run hard right to the finish, believed all the way. (2 Tim. 4:7 The Message)”

Are you a survivor, or an overcomer?

When I was 27, something happened that changed my life. I had two beautiful twin girls. They were healthy and strong. My two older children at the time were ages 9 and 7. When the twins were three months old, their father left. He told me this was all too much responsibility. The truth was, he had been seeing someone else, and our marriage had never really been a good one. I was left alone with four children, no job; I was already completely exhausted. My survival instincts as a mother soon kicked in, and I spent my days taking care of my children. My two older children were shocked and traumatized by the life changes, but with God’s grace we made it. I was a survivor. I stood my ground and pushed through, knowing that I absolutely HAD to live, for my children.

My identity at the time formed into a strong woman who could push down any obstacle or trauma so that she could maintain a “normal existence.” It was my job just to survive. I fought constant thoughts of depression and fear, but always found a way to fight through. Unfortunately, what I did not know, was that you can only be a survivor for so long.

When we live in survival mode, it is very easy to slip into what is called a victim mentality. You feel hopeless, powerless to change your circumstances. Life will keep tormenting you and your family. Although there may be truth in the fact that you are a victim of a crime or abuse, the victim mentality is a stronghold or a mindset.

Being a survivor and a victim then becomes your identity. It consumes every part of your life. You strive to be strong, every day is a fight for survival that wears you out.

Eventually you will come crashing down.

God did not make us to just survive.

“But I am just trying to get through today- thats all I can do right now.”

Yes! You will live through today my friend. But you can “survive” or you can “overcome!” Choosing to be an overcomer means that you change the way you think. Rise above your circumstances. In faith you can stomp on your struggles instead of being chained by them.

“You see, every child of God overcomes the world, for our faith is the victorious power that triumphs over the world. (1 John 5:4, TPT)”

Being an overcomer is a new identity for many of us. We have lived in crisis and trauma for so long that it became part of our expectations. I have chosen to walk in victory instead of defeat. I choose to dance in the rain instead of getting drowned by it. The battle for your life has already been won. The victory belongs to the Lord! Now go and walk in that victory. Step into a new identity in life by choosing to live above addiction, not beside it.

What do you believe in? If you profess to be a child of God, start standing tall in your faith. Let the Lord teach you how to live above your circumstances.

If you have never made the choice to accept the Lord, or have questions flooding your mind- you can comment on this post! You can also reach me through the contact page on this site. I want to hear from you! We need to help each other to overcome instead of survive!