More than Conquerors

In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. Romans 8:37

This has always been a phrase that has intrigued me. How can someone be more than a conqueror? It seems that if you have conquered something or someone, you are the winner – game over.

I have come to understand these words against the backdrop of Roman conquest. The Romans were not simply raiders and pillagers. Their purpose was not just to defeat an enemy and reap the spoils of war. The Romans' goal was to totally dominate the enemy so that they would no longer be a threat of any kind. They would then seek to assimilate them in their civilization and often leave a military presence to ensure future control.

This strategy would make them more than conquerors. Now they would be unconquerable.

I am discovering that spiritual warfare takes place everyday. The enemy is constantly attacking my mind and heart. Seldom are the tests of my faith a one-day, one-time occurrence. It seems the moment I reach higher ground, Satan will challenge my commitment and beliefs. Henry Blackaby calls this “the crisis of belief”. Basically, am I willing to live what I profess to believe?

I know a young woman that is definitely more than a conqueror. Her example of living a life of faith has often encouraged me to continue to fight the good fight. Her quiet and steadfast faith helps her to experience God’s victory day after day. The following scripture truths come alive as I watch her life.

Focus on Our Commander

In times of battle, it is essential that we focus on our leader. He alone knows the battle plan and has the power and resources to lead us to victory. In verse 37 He is identified: we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

David understood the strategy of the conqueror: David said to the Philistine, "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the LORD will hand you over to me." I Samuel 17:45-46

Some boast in chariots, and some in horses; But we will boast in the name of the LORD. Psalm 20:7

As the enemy assaults us we must trust our God, even when are being overrun and God’s answer appears unfair and ridiculous. This is exactly when we have the opportunity to break through to spiritual conquest.

My friend continues to grow in faith as she keeps her eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. She has survived the ferocious attack of the enemy. Her husband died at age 45 and left her with three children. She had to relocate and leave a church they had served for nine years. She found a new home and teaching job. In all these things she had to trust God every moment. Not just one moment, but every moment.

Serve the Needs of Others

I lose ground spiritually when I focus on myself. The enemy uses my problems and pain to out flank my joy and confidence. Jesus focused on my needs all the way from the cradle to the crucifixion. Romans 8:34 tells me he is still doing so.

Christ Jesus, who died--more than that, who was raised to life--is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.

She is always caring for others. Besides being a school teacher, she also serves in children’s ministry at her church. Her days are very long as she continues to keep her children involved in church. Like all moms, she seems to always be chauffeuring the kids to activities.

If you talked to her, you will not hear words of complaint, but discover she has grown by serving others.

When I feel defeated and frustrated by my limitations, I will follow my Lord to the frontlines of battle and intercede for the needs of others.

Remember What You Have in Christ, Not What You Do Not Have

What do I have that cannot be taken away?

I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Whenever we march onto the battlefields of faith, we can be certain that God’s love surrounds us.

That is what she has done. Although she has lost much and at times feels overwhelmed, she continues to trust in God alone. When I am tired of the fight and the relentless challenges, I think of my sister, Debbie. Her life is an incredible testimony of God’s love and provision.

Debbie, thank you for teaching me how to become more than a conqueror, and know that your brother could not be more proud of you.

Unconquerable in Christ,
Dan