If I am More than a Conqueror, why am I not Conquering? (Post #44)

"I have the power to change, improve, overcome, and win in Christ Jesus. After all, I am more than a conqueror (cf. Romans 8:37)." 

Yesterday, I had to remind myself of a very important fact.  A fact that is as old as it is dependable and as dependable, as it is necessary.  It’s not a flashy point.  In fact, it’s very blunt and direct.  However, if you receive it, IT can change your life.

​Are you ready for it?  Okay, here goes:

“You ONLY get OUT, what you’re willing to put IN!” 

I was in my office, feeling down about some areas in my life that were less than their best.  In these moments of reflection, I (like many) began to ruminate on my failures.  I began to rehearse mentally all that was apparently going wrong and even more reflective on how these failures were hindering me.  

​Thankfully, the Spirit provoked me to consider that rumination was not only unproductive, but it was keeping me from pondering the thoughts that I needed to be thinking.  The thoughts that would propel me closer to my breakthrough.  I needed to ask myself:

“How can I change my situation?

​This question is important because it reminds me that I’m factually not bound to failure, defeat, or any other negative outcome or emotion.  I have the power to change, improve, overcome, and win in Christ Jesus.  After all, I am more than a conqueror (cf. Romans 8:37). 

So, if I’m all of these things in Christ, then why am I not conquering? 

In fairness, there can be a million different answers to this question; however, as I meditated, the Lord put this word on my heart:

“You ONLY get OUT, what you’re willing to put IN!” 

In the matters before me, I had to ask myself:  am I doing my very best to achieve the results that I desire?  When I concluded my questioning, I understood then that the answer had to be no.  I had to accept that pouting is simply pretending that you aren’t the problem.  My breakthrough occurred when I accepted that the greatest barrier before me, was me. 

The Bible says in James 2:15-17, “(15) Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. (16) If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? (17) In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”(NIV)

Questions to consider…

• How is your attitude on a regular basis? Are you a positive person?
• What are your expectations?  Do you believe in the concept of harvest and reaping or are you operating as if you’re entitled?
• Are you jealous of the success of others?  If so, have you acknowledged that as sin or are you seeking ways to justify your thoughts?

​The answer to these questions will challenge you to consider your role and responsibility within your own path to progression.  If you put little in, you should only expect one thing.  

Since God remains the same always, there remains one difference between the conquering conqueror and the conquered conqueror – his or her willingness to truly conquer their conquered self. 

​So, what did you think?  What did I miss?  Let me know in the comments below.  Subscribe on the home page, share this post, and thanks for your support.  
 
Imperfectly,

Kevin D. Jones, Sr.

Author and Publisher of Perfectly Imperfect Perfectionist
(@kevindjonessr)
(@imperfection360)