The Art Of CelebrationSample

More Than Conquerors

If a stranger were to scream the word, "Freedom!!!!!", at you, at bloodcurdling volume in an inaccurate, but unmistakable attempt at a Celtic accent, you would likely fear for your life. Not I. I would be nonchalant.

It's not that I'm so brave. It's just that this is a regular occurrence for me. When I meet someone for the first time and mention that I'm Irish, people do one of two things. They either request that I say the phrase, "Magically delicious!", or they do their impersonation of William Wallace's battle cry from the Mel Gibson movie, "Braveheart." Loudly.

I prefer the second option because, even though I'm delighted to be associated with the daring and ingenious idea to serve marshmallows at breakfast, I'm even more proud that my Celtic blood links me to the "warrior-poet," who fought tyranny and oppression. (Even though he is technically Scottish!)

With his lethal combination of courage, swordsmanship and biceps that would make even The Incredible Hulk feel insecure, William Wallace is the perfect example of a conqueror.

I'm on the other end of the spectrum. I have what you might call "sofa-toned" abs, I'm regularly overtaken by girls on the running trail and have been known to flee from the wrath of wasps in the summer.

When we look beneath the funny surface stuff, the picture is no prettier. My prayer life can be stopped in its tracks by such feeble enemies as Twitter or television. I lack the courage to live a radically holy life.

But I am more than a conqueror in Christ.

It's so hard to believe isn't it? But it's right there in the flawless Word of God.

As believers, the all-conquering power that raised Christ from the dead is alive in us. Jesus fought and won our redemption at the cross, silencing every voice that condemns - even our internal guilt monologues. Satan lies crushed beneath his feet.

Our God, our Jesus, is for us - "nothing is impossible and every chain is breakable" now.

With Christ we can overcome temptation, blaze light into hopeless places, speak life to a dying world.

In Jesus' name, timid prayers shake nations and topple kingdoms, and fumbling attempts at evangelism strike fear in the hearts of demons.

Unlikely as it may seem, we are more than conquerors.

And we don't even have to find a kilt.