overcomer - cmi sealed orders #8 - "who do you think you are?"

You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.

1 John 4:4

On the television series, “Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition,” personal trainer Chris Powell works with people who are morbidly obese to help them lose weight that they haven’t been able to lose any other way. 
 

In addition to specialized diets and exercise equipment, he starts by talking to them.  Sometimes he challenges them and sometimes he encourages them.  One contestant was even offered a new car if she made her weight loss goal.  

Sometimes the people make their goals, but sometimes they don’t.   You could think that Chris Powell is being cruel with these demands and incentives.

“Why does he offer something that he knows they might not achieve?” you might ask.

But the difference is that Chris Powell really believes the person can reach their goals - even if the participant doesn’t.  Whether the task is a certain distance to run or a repetition of a difficult exercise, Chris really believes they can do it.

And you may find yourself rooting for the person yourself.

Are there areas of your life in which you need a cheerleader?  Maybe there is an area of spiritual growth that you haven’t been able to reach yet.  Maybe it’s a habitual sin that haunts you and keeps pulling you down.

Jesus believes in you.  Like Chris Powell, he knows it is going to be difficult.  He knows that there are times of failure.

But Jesus believes in you the whole time.  That’s why he provided for your forgiveness and transformation.  And that might be why you came to CMI this year – to be reassured that you can grow and succeed in your spiritual life.

John believed in his friends even when they were facing discouraging times.  He told them, “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4) 

Spend these quiet moments letting these words wash over you: “YOU ARE AN OVERCOMER!”  Just as John believed his friends could succeed, Jesus also knows you can succeed.  You can succeed because Jesus will give you the power to do it.  Close your eyes, concentrate on God’s presence, and let his encouraging words fill your heart.