Christians ought to be the most positive optimistic people in the world. A pessimistic Christian is an oxymoron. But many Christians live defeated lives, failing to comprehend their true worth. It’s not what God intended. Jesus came so we can have life abundantly, not simply survive, merely exist, or live in defeat.

Paul explains the struggle within our minds very well. Satan wants to get in our minds and make us feel we are less than, guilty, unforgiven, unworthy, and on and on it goes. If we buy into his lies, it’s the same as truth to us. Paul recognized that the answer to the struggle of our mind is Jesus Christ. Paul goes on to say in Ro 8:37 that we are more than conquerors through Christ. Whatever the circumstance or problem you are facing, you have the ability through Christ to overcome.

In 2 Kings 6, we read about Elisha and his servant who were in what seemed an impossible situation. They were surrounded by the Syrian Army, an ambush, no way out! However, God allowed them to see that his army of protection was greater than their enemy. They were surrounded by horses and chariots of fire, God’s angelic protection. If we would in life’s fearful, impossible situations pause and consider God’s reality, it would make all the difference. 

How do you step into that place of total dependence on God? You must become a Christ-centered follower of Jesus. On and off doesn’t work. Asking God to adjust to your agenda doesn’t work. It’s only when you surrender to God’s agenda and focus on worship, devotion, Scripture, and allow the Holy Spirit to control your heart and mind, that you find the abundant life Jesus came to give. Christ-centered people spend more time in the seat at church, in God’s word, in prayer and Bible study. They give more of their time and resources to God and look for opportunities to share their faith and be used by God. Why? They are about God’s agenda. Life changing moments take place in the process of learning and worshiping, and when change happens the voices that echo in your head are God’s, and they permeate every area of your life. You are more than a conqueror.

Scriptures:  John 10:10; Romans 7:23-25, 8:33-35, 37; 2 Kings 6:16-17; Acts 20:24; Philippians 4:12-13

Verses:  (Jn 10:10) “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (Ro 7:23-24) But in every part of my I discover something fighting against my mind, and it makes me a prisoner of sin that controls everything I do. What a miserable person I am. Who will rescue me from this body that is doomed to die? (Ro 7:25) The answer thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does. He acted to set things right in this life of contradictions where I want to serve God with all my heart and mind, but am pulled by the influence of sin to do something totally different.

Questions: How does your agenda conflict with God’s agenda for you? (explain) Do you identify with Paul’s explanation of the struggle in his mind? What do the voices in your head say? What whispers plague you? What whispers encourage you? How do you combat the negative voices?

Prayer: Dear God, I want my life to be Christ-centered and for your agenda to be my agenda. Help me to grow in faith and to effectively serve you and share your love and the truth of the abundant life you offer wherever you lead. Through you I am a conqueror, help me to live like one. In Jesus’ Name I pray, amen.