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.
— I John 4:4 NIV
He Overcomes
He overcomes the past —
all regrets, all mistakes, all missteps.
He overcomes the present —
all worry, all anxiety, all turmoil.
He overcomes the future —
all fear, all doubt, all dread.
Given full reign — regrets about the past, worry over today, and fear of the future — would ruin my life. Thankfully, I have an overcomer to rely on.
Scripture tells me, "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me" (Galatians 2:20 ESV). Christ lives in me and He has overcome. I rely on the power and strength of the risen Savior, not my own abilities.
He Overcomes Regrets about the Past
Regrets hang onto my thoughts like bagworms on a cedar tree. They take intentionality to pull off. To leave them hanging is to feed the very thing that's eating my evergreen growth. Jesus redeems the past and helps me overcome regrets one at a time. I can leave sticky, life-sucking issues in His hands.
Jesus redeems the past for good. We learn in Scripture that God works all things for good. “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28 ESV). Nothing is too messy or too difficult for Him to redeem. In His hands, those regrets can help pave new paths.
He Overcomes Worry about the Present
Worry is a shameless thief that wants to steal our peace. Worry tricks us into thinking we’re helping the situation by being anxious. Isn’t wringing our hands and being consumed emotionally and mentally showing concern? Doesn't worry show that we care? When we entrust our lives and the lives of those we love into the Lord's hands, peace is restored.
Scripture reminds us, “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father” (Matthew 10:29 ESV). The Lord is aware of even the smallest birds and knows when they fall to the ground. He knows when we're weighed down with worry and will take care of us. He is fully able to handle our concerns. He waits, ready for us to cast our anxiety on Him because He cares for us (I Peter 5:7 ESV).
He Overcomes Fear of the Future
The unknown future is scary. Fear over what could happen can drown our faith like a raging flood. A spirit of fear keeps the spirit of faith in Christ suppressed. Fear paralyzes. Scripture tells us,”For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control” (II Timothy 1:7 ESV). Jesus overcomes fear and prepares us for the future.
Rather than cowering in fear, maybe there are places you can rely on His power, rest in His love, and exercise self-control. Control what you can control, and leave the rest with Him, our overcomer.
Thank you, Lord. Thank you for your conquering Spirit. Thank you that you are the redeemer of my past, the provider for my present, and the hope for my future. I pray that You overcome all regret, all worry, and all fear in my life today . . . and every day. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Beside Quiet Waters 
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