April 19: PREVAILER WITH GOD
“And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations” Revelation 2:26
From Jacob (Genesis 32:28) to Jesus (John 16:33) to His followers (he who overcomes), there is a cord of consistency. The Hebrew tongue is laden with meaning, and this is especially true in naming people. This important aspect of Biblical language becomes essential if we are to increase our understanding of what God has for us in His word. The name Israel, given by God to Jacob, means Overcomer. God is saving people individually, and there is intense wrestling involved in making the decision to latch on to God. This is, at least in part, due to human stubbornness. But at the same time, God is wonderfully patient.
Jacob, which means heel-grabber or deceiver, was renamed “Israel, for you have struggled with God and with men and have prevailed”. In submitting to the will of God, he became a prevailer with God. This is what it means to overcome—to become a new creation . . . the Israel of God (Galatians 6:15-16).
We have an enemy who wants to take us down, lead us into sin, and convince us that the way to “make it big” in this world requires disobedience to God. The great battle is incurred when I realize that the largest obstacle to overcome is myself. Jesus understands this intimately, for He was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. (Hebrews 4:15b). How did He do it? From childhood, He learned the written Word. And He walked with His heavenly Father in continuous prayer. He knows that Satan’s influence upon us is heavy-handed, and that we need supernatural help on a daily basis. Beloved, believe that His grace is sufficient for the task! Believe that the supernatural grace of God is available on an as-needed basis and claim it for yourself, saying, “I will not let You go unless You bless me!” (Genesis 32:26)
Jesus, the ultimate Overcomer, reminds us, “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33b
The child of God is enabled to keep [His] works until the end. Isn’t it wonderful to know that there is an end to the troubles, wrongs, and sufferings of this world? If you are His child, it is unreasonable to think that you cannot do what He asks. At the root of such thinking is an underlying accusation that He is unreasonable.
The Dark Ages, well described in the book of Daniel, parallel the church of Thyatira. Yet, even in the midst of the most gruesome of horrors, Daniel provided hope in the purposes of God: And some of those of understanding shall fall, to refine them, purify them, and make them white, until the time of the end; because it is still for the appointed time. (Daniel 11:35) Biblical prophecy indicates that, before the return of Jesus, similar horrors await those who are obedient to Him, those who honor His commandments. We are to seek first His kingdom (Matthew 6:33).
And [the Lord] said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9