Daily Post: Overcome
Hours away now, folks in Florida, and folks from Florida who have found a way to safe haven somewhere out of the path of Irma, might best be described as an overwhelmed conqueror. Some are staying behind to face the brunt of whatever this hurricane has to offer. In some ways, I feel overwhelmed for them, and for those broadcast journalists who will give their hourly, or “minute-by-minute” updates when Irma’s fury is unleashed. Those who stayed are still grappling with their emotions, fighting to overcome the urge to flee. The rest, traveling North to shelter, have overcome the danger to themselves, but have placed all their earthly possessions in the hands of the Creator in charge of the storm. In this way, they too have overcome.
We watch from a distance, mesmerized or paralyzed by the streaming video feeds on our computers and mobile devices, or from the large screen displays hanging on the wall, detached from the pain, still not knowing what the final outcome will be. We’ve had a glimpse, as Harvey spread devastation, pain, and loss across the gulf coast area. So we know what to expect, it’s all too fresh in our short-term memories. Nevertheless, even that story isn’t finished yet. Like a mystery novel where the solution is not revealed until the final chapter, we don’t know just how bad Irma will be for folks along the Florida coast line. Regardless of East or West, all will be affected in some greater or lesser degree.
Romans 12:21
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
When Paul wrote to the Christ-followers in Rome, he knew they would face persecution and some of them death, yet his words were still filled with encouragement to remain strong and focused. The word “overcome“ here, when literally translated from the Greek, is “I conquer” or “I overcome.” It is the greek verb nikao (nik-ah-o) from which we get our English word “Nike.” So, here’s the thing…
Irma is not inherently evil. It’s a hurricane. It’s fueled by water and wind, both of which are natural elements designed by God for specific purposes. Scientists believe they understand what causes hurricanes, but they don’t portray them as “evil,” because they aren’t. Powerful, yes. Evil, no. So let’s not confuse the issue. To conquer, sometimes you do have to turn and flee the coming storm.
1 John 5:4-5
For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world– our faith. Who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
As men are poised to blow each other’s brains out, as fire spreads across the fruited plains and majestic mountain ranges, as the earth moves literally under our feet, as the wind and waves crash unmercifully into our land… how will we ever overcome?
We will suit up, just like the warrior in the image above and stand strong against the forces which would destroy us.
Folks it’s time. Time to get busy.
It’s not time to whine or moan or be sidetracked by “I can’t do this,” thoughts.
It’s time to be a NIKE. It’s time to battle back.
It’s time to overcome.
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As I was saying... 