Can I Be an Overcomer? [Episode 51 With Stephen Kendrick]

JRO Team — Thu, 22 Aug 2019 09:00:43 +0000

One humid August day, my husband, Phil, and I flew down the highway in our “swagger wagon” (a.k.a. our ultra-cool white minivan). We were in a huge hurry because it was just the two of us on our way to a much-anticipated lakeside getaway.

To help pass the miles, Phil turned on satellite radio—you know, the one with about 3,000 channels. First, we tuned into ESPN sports. Next, it was an afternoon talk show. And, finally, we tried a live audio feed of one of the major news outlets.

By the time we arrived at the lake, we’d been bombarded with around three hours worth of commercials.

You are who God says you are—and, when you understand that, you can overcome anything! [Click to Tweet]

Oh, girl, at that point, I was frustrated by the sad state of our media and concerned about the future of our country. But do you know what the main and most important thing on my mind was?

It was me!

All of a sudden, I was uncomfortable with everything about me—things I hadn’t even thought about before.

Are my teeth white enough? How do I get rid of my hard-to-lose belly fat? Do I need to take fish oil?

And, the more I looked at me to find me, the less I could see who I was. I was having a full-blown identity crisis!

Maybe you can relate. It’s possible that you’re in the middle of your own identity crisis right now. And, because you aren’t sure who you are or Whose you are, you’re struggling to overcome the hard things in your life.

When you grasp your true identity in Christ, watch out world! You are an overcomer! [Click to Tweet]

Well, sister, if that’s you, this episode of the 4:13 Podcast is full of hope and encouragement! Screenwriter and producer, Stephen Kendrick, is with us and he’s talking about the connection between knowing your identity and overcoming whatever obstacle you face.

You may know Stephen and his brothers, Alex and Shannon, from movies such as War Room, Fireproof, and Facing the Giants. Well, today, he’s sharing about their latest film, Overcomer.

Stephen talks about the movie’s theme of finding our identity in Christ and even gives you an overview of the first two chapters in the book of Ephesians. You’ll be reminded that you are not what you do or how you feel. You are who God says you are—and, when you get that in your cute little noggin, you can overcome anything!

Stephen’s Highlights from Ephesians

Why Ephesians is relevant to you. Part of the inspiration for the film, Overcomer, was Ephesians 1-2. Stephen shares how these chapters were written to first-century Christians who didn’t understand their identity in Christ. He says that in it, Paul is praying for the Holy Spirit to reveal to their hearts what is true about their identity and their relationship with God.
Like the Ephesians, Stephen says that as Christians in our modern culture, it’s sometimes a struggle to remember that our identities are in Christ. So, if you’re wrestling with how to define yourself, Paul’s words to the Ephesians point you to where and in Whom your identity is found.
Where Ephesians says your identity is found. Stephen says that Overcomer, like Ephesians, points you back to the God who created you. You don’t need to let your emotions, your job, or even your relationships define who you are. The One Who knows you best, Who created you, Who loves you the most, and Who has all authority, should be the One Who tells you who you are.
Stephen reminds you that Ephesians tells you that, through the gospel, you are adopted into God’s family as His beloved child (Ephesians 1:5-6). You are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:10). He seals you with His Spirit, and you have an inheritance that comes with your identity in Christ (Ephesians 1:11-13).
How Ephesians teaches you to be an overcomer. Stephen explains that even though your identity is in Christ, if you don’t know and understand this, you can live a defeated, discouraged life. But when you realize that you are defined by who God says you are, you become an overcomer.
And, when you understand and live your life confident of this, Stephen says then the rest of Ephesians—chapters 3 to 6—can take place in your life. You can forgive because you have been forgiven. You can walk in love because you realize you’re God’s beloved child. You can be strong in the Lord in spiritual warfare because you know who you are in Christ.

Friend, the culture today tries to redefine identity and determine who gets to tell you who you are. But, it is God, our Creator who gets to tell you who you are. And, when you grasp your true identity, watch out world! God says that whoever is born of God overcomes the world (1 John 5:4).

So, remember whatever you face, you are an overcomer because you can do all things through Christ who gives you strength.

Related Resources

Books and Bible Studies by Jennifer Rothschild

Links Mentioned in This Episode

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