1 John 5:1-5, New International Version

¹ Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well.   ² This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands.    ³ This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome,    ⁴ for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.   ⁵ Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.

1 John 5:1-5, Amplified Bible

Everyone who believes (adheres to, trusts, and relies on the fact) that Jesus is the Christ (the Messiah) is a born-again child of God; and everyone who loves the Father also loves the one born of Him (His offspring).  ²By this we come to know (recognize and understand) that we love the children of God: when we love God and obey His commands (orders, charges) - when we keep His ordinances and are mindful of His precepts and His teaching.   ³For the [true] love of God is this: that we do His commands [keep His ordinances and are mindful of His precepts and teaching]. And these orders of His are not irksome (burdensome, oppressive, or grievous).   ⁴For whatever is born of God is victorious over the world; and this is the victory that conquers the world, even our faith.  ⁵Who is it that is victorious over [that conquers] the world but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God [who adheres to, trusts in, and relies on that fact]?

A philosopher once made a statement that life is tough. Therefore we want to look into the matter of winning.  We can all agree that we all go through stuff but it is very clear that there are some who are able to prevail over obstacles & challenges.

Of course if we are talking about winning it stands to reason that there must have been some kind of challenge and you achieved victory over it.

Now there are some conclusions that we can draw according to this scripture.

1. 1. Your knowledge and relationship with Jesus Christ gives you victory
2. 2. As a believer you are destined to win

When we say someone is destined to win, it means that the victory has already been set in place and the one who has set this victory in place is Almighty God.  You must understand that once

you believe in Jesus, He keeps His promise to send His Spirit - the Holy Spirit to you as your Helper.  Now there is nothing that is hidden from God, every situation and the hearts of all men are open to Him and out of the abundance of this knowledge, Holy Spirit gives us insider information to help you win.  Build up your relationship with God, don’t take it lightly at all.

Practical Keys

One of the things we do that takes our focus off our winning empowerment is that we compare ourselves to others and always see ourselves as less or worse off than others.  At times that may not even be the case.  The very person you’re thinking has got it all made is probably thinking that they rather want to be in your shoes.  I recognise of course that there is case of being motivated and challenged by the lives of other people.  But a lot of times if we are sincere, instead of being challenged and motivated, we rather become demoralised and think who am I? I better just look for somewhere and rest, after all these people are the privileged few!  Such thinking is not of God for it is written:

⁴ for everyone/whosoever  born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith   ⁵ Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.

There are some things that winning people always do.  No matter what part of the world you go to.

• Winners keep their eyes on the finishing line.

They remain focused on what they believe they are destined to do or their purpose in life.  Make up your mind that you will persevere until your breakthrough comes.  Gain all the skills you can to become expert in your field.

Hebrews 12:1-4 ¹ Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.  (Looking away from all that will distract) Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ³ Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.  ⁴ In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.

• Winners pray consistently and in faith

There is a popular slogan that prayer is a master key.  Through practical experience, I can attest that this slogan is true.

1 Peter 4:7 But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. Colossian 4:2 Be earnest and unwearied and steadfast in your prayer [life], being [both] alert and intent in [your praying] with thanksgiving.  ² Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving;

• Winners always celebrate appropriately and have a positive outlook on life.

Psalm 149:6  May the praise of God be in their mouths and a double-edged sword in their hands,

God bless you and have a fantastic and victorious day!

By Minister Jennifer Prah

Minister Jennifer presents Let’s Talk About Show - every Sunday at 6pm and every Friday at 10PM