HE THAT OVERCOMETH by Mrs. A. W. Heald

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Feb 18, 1889

FromThe Signs of the Times, Vol. 15, No. 7

HE THAT OVERCOMETH.

By Mrs. A. W. Heald

In considering the message of the angel to the seven churches (Rev. 2 and 3), we are impressed with the blessedness of the promises to “him that overcometh.” Even the most casual reader has often breathed a silent prayer, “Oh, to be among the number who shall be clothed in white raiment, whose names the Saviour will confess before his Father and the holy angels!”

What, then, is it to be an overcomer? and how may we attain that blessed state? And first, let no one think to lead an easy life of pleasure and self-indulgence, trusting that at last in some mysterious way he shall be made an overcomer, worthy to eat of the hidden manna and to receive the white stone and the new name. The work of overcoming must be constant and progressive.

What are the foes we must conquer? This is a searching question, which no one can wholly answer for another. The Saviour said, “I have overcome the world.” John 16: 33. The apostle Paul writes, “They that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts (Gal. 5: 24); and again he says, “Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” Eph. 6: 11. Here are designated the three great foes to a godly life,—the world, the lusts of the flesh, and the wiles of Satan.

How do these enemies assail us? In the parable of the sower, the Saviour said, “The cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches . . . choke the word and it becometh unfruitful.” Mark 4: 19. Few, comparatively, are tested by riches, but all have cares to a greater or less extent. Shall we permit them to absorb our whole time and strength, leaving no opportunity for the study of God’s word and for communion with him? The world presents before us its glory and pleasures also.

The “flesh with its affections and lusts” would lead us into habits of self-indulgence, which weaken the physical, mental, and moral powers, unfitting us for the work we might do for God and our fellow-beings. We are answerable to God for all the faculties he has given us; our one talent will be required of us with interest. The temptations of the world and the flesh must be overcome, else we shall fall an easy prey to the enemy of souls, and at the last great day we shall hear the fearful words, “Depart from me, I never knew you.”

Is it an easy task to overcome these foes of the Christian life? No; for Christ said, “Strive (agonize) to enter in.” “Because straight is the gate and narrow is the way which leadeth unto life and few there be that find it.”

Do we tremble as we realize our weakness, and the many dangers that surround us? Then let us by faith lay hold on our Redeemer’s promise, “My grace is sufficient for thee, for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” “He shall thrust out the enemy before thee; and shall say, Destroy them.” Through faith we may overcome every foe, and at length it will be said of us, “Happy art thou, O, Israel; who is like unto thee, O people saved by the Lord!”

“For the Lion of Judah shall break every chain, And give us the victory again and again.”

Mrs. A. W. HEALD.