Be an overcomer

Would you like to change the world but feel hopeless right now? 2022 may still be plagued by lockdowns, setbacks, and hardships. The Bible predicts that “‘In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.’” (John 16:33, NIV) The circumstances you face this year may be overwhelming, but the Word promises, “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13, NIV)

I’ve made up my mind to be an overcomer this year. Overcomers have challenges, but they find God’s ways out and up. If you’d like to be an overcomer, I invite you to take these important steps:

1. Expect battles and opposition. My mentor, Dr. Richard Dobbins, warned me that 20% of every room, meeting, family gathering, or company would not like me. He told me to expect conflict and rejection from some but that 80% would support me.
2. I learned through years of travel to add value to every person I meet. Every culture has a love language that I must discover. Overcomers listen and look for divine codes to touch lives.
3. Every person has a name, birthplace, and career. Some people have dreams and unfulfilled visions. Get to know people, listen to their stories, and remember their names.
4. Be a generous person. Give your time, energy, love, and resources. 

I had a surprise visit yesterday from my friend Pasindu. He knew that I was experiencing some unique challenges, so he decided to knock on my cabin door. We spoke for a few hours, and he helped fix my garbage disposal unit. He’s really handy, and I’m not. At the end of our talk, I felt led to give him my watch as a sign of covenant. I explained the meaning of covenant and the significance of a gift to seal it. Pasindu’s words brought me to tears: “You gave me my first job, you gave me my first Bible, and now you give me your watch.” I immediately had a flashback to the day my dad gave me a watch. I still have my dad’s watch. I’ll never sell it because it is a symbol of my father’s love. He didn’t have the words, but he had a watch.

friend, if you take these four steps to add value to others, I believe you’ll be greatly strengthened to overcome in 2022!