Bloodline: Spiritual DNA of a Kingdom WarriorSample

Day 6:

Overcomer

Although Jesus promised we would have tribulation, he also assured us that He has overcome the world. Although we will suffer hardship, we are not called to linger in that misery. Pain is guaranteed, but extended suffering is optional. Yes, people experience horrific trauma and catastrophe that produces monumental suffering for a season. However, we come from a spiritual bloodline that is built to overcome and breakthrough emotional and physical calamity. We are not meant to marinade in our past as an exit strategy for the reality of our present. Psychological and emotional paralysis can lead to physical atrophy that makes it difficult to get out of bed in the morning. That said, resilience requires a commitment to mobilize our determination. We can’t merely desire restoration and recovery. We must summon the strength of our spiritual forefathers and arise in reverence to our powerful bloodline. Action breathes life into a graveyard of offenses and betrayal. Sometimes it takes one positive thought at a time, one deep breath at a time, one progressive step at a time, one productive day at a time.

It is not uncommon for some to stay trapped in an emotional deficit along a horizon of perpetual darkness. The days become weeks and months of a prolonged memorial to the life they once knew. Sometimes it’s easier to remain a victim and to continue drinking the enemy’s kool-aid. It becomes very tempting to set up permanent residence in the neighborhood of victimhood, where the pain becomes our identity. I remember the story of David in 1 Samuel 30 where he and his men return to their home city of Ziklag, only to find that the Amalekites had ravaged and burned everything, kidnapping all the women and children. David not only lost everything, but also was the scapegoat of all the devastation. His men began planning his demise and considered stoning him as retribution for their loss. The Bible says David strengthened himself in the Lord (1 Samuel 30:6). There was a time for grief and for sorrowful lamenting. However, David did not allow his suffering to paralyze him; rather he petitioned the Lord to co-sign his next move. Rather than sink into a pit of permanent misery, David began constructing a plan for retaliation and redemption. “And David inquired of the Lord, “Shall I pursue after this band? Shall I overtake them?” He answered him, “Pursue, for you shall surely overtake and shall surely rescue.” ‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭30‬:‭8‬

It’s a family tradition, as children of the most high God‭, to approach the throne of grace as the source for overcoming our pain. It’s in our spiritual DNA to rely on God’s redemptive power and mercy. We overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony (Revelation 12:11). God doesn’t leave us in our turmoil and tribulation, and He certainly doesn’t rejoice in our prolonged suffering. We have a role to play, and while our healing is beyond our own strength, it does require action on our part. One step at a time, one day at a time, we can overcome because it’s how our Heavenly Father designed and equipped us.

Ask Yourself:

What steps can I take to forgive and overcome past trauma or pain?