Becoming an Overcomer!

I was reading an oft quoted scripture today:

“They conquered him completely through the blood of the Lamb and the powerful word of his testimony.” (Revelation 12:11)

You can often hear me counseling women with this scripture; But for some reason, I have never noticed the next line:

“They triumphed because they did not love and cling to their own lives, even when faced with death.” Revelation‬ ‭12:11‬ ‭TPT‬‬

It seems to me I had being leaving off a very important condition to that promise. As I read this morning, I was confused. What does this even mean? What does not clinging to my own life mean? What does that look like when the enemy is accusing me? How does disregarding my life become a tool in defeating Satan?

So I read that scripture in several translations. Then I asked the Holy Spirit to reveal a greater understanding.

The Holy Spirit, reminded me the accusers greatest weapon is fear. He paralyzes us with fear of failure,
fear of ridicule,
fear of being embarrassed,
fear of having our heart’s hurt,
fear that our flesh will be uncomfortable.

So when Apostle John wrote, “they did not cling to their lives,” he meant satisfying their flesh was not their top priority. They were willing to risk failure, ridicule, embarrassment, heartache and being uncomfortable to pursue God. They were willing to lay down their lives by not considering their own flesh. Doing what God had called them to do was more important than making their flesh comfortable. Therefore, they were not daunted by Satan’s accusations. His fears had no power over them.

Then the Holy Spirit had me look at the word, “lives” in the Greek. And sure enough, the word can be translated ‘soul’. It’s the same word Jesus used when He encouraged us, “Don’t fear those who kill the body but are not able to kill the soul.” The word Jesus used for ‘soul’ and John used for ‘lives’ are the exact same.

So this is my goal for 2020, to Overcome any obstacle thrown my way. Pray with me:

Father, I thank you for the Blood of the Lamb and the Word of His testimony. Father, I thank you for Jesus’ victory over sin,the grave and death. I thank you Father, that we share in that victory. We are more than conquerors. You always leads us in triumphant.

In 2020, give me the wisdom to walk in this truth. Let me not cling to my soul. Let me be willing to risk being uncomfortable in the name of Christ. Let me be willing to risk failure, ridicule, embarrassment, and heartache as I pursue what you have called me to do.

Grant me unusual boldness in 2020. In this new decade, let my life be marked with courage and strength. Let me be tenacious in defending the rights of the underdog. Let me be courageous in my love. Let me be strong in advancing the kingdom of God. Satan’s lies that try to bring fear, will have no power over me.

In 2020 I will overcome by the blood of the lamb, the word of His testimony, not clinging to my own life. I am an overcomer! Amen.”