Over-All Success

Poker games can provide all sorts of challenges. We played an online game tonight which had a very annoying one -- as our computer protection service decided to do a 30-minute update in the middle of the game. It was more than our computer could handle, and we had to wait 20 minutes to play a hand. (No, we didn't win.)

Then there was the online tournament we did win last weekend -- rallying against two players with huge stacks, and a chip advantage over us of more than 12 to one. What happened for us was an example of a regular theme for our pastor: overcoming. The Bible speaks about it dozens of times. For instance....

To him that overcomes will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. -- Revelation 3:21 (KJV)

These are words of Jesus to a first-century church. In fact, Jesus used a form of the word "overcome" to address seven churches in Revelation 2-3. In every case, overcoming is promised a spiritual reward. But how do we do that?

For whatsoever is born of God overcomes the world: and this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith. -- I John 5:4

As Jesus said in the gospels, you must be born again. That takes faith -- but not in your own "survival skills" or mental toughness....

Who is he that overcomes the world, but he that believes that Jesus is the Son of God? -- I John 5:5

That belief is more than saying words -- it's acting on your belief, to live obediently as though Jesus truly is your Lord and Master.

Overcoming can be a long process. In last weekend's tournament, we were at the last table for more than 180 hands before we won. But the payoff was nice. There's a check in the mail for us; there can be a crown of victory alongside Jesus for you.