Overcomers

These sons of Gad dedicated themselves to serving David. These were “mighty men of valor, men trained for war, who could handle shield and spear, and whose faces were like the faces of lions.” They were “as swift as the gazelles on the mountains” (v. 8).

These Gadites were leaders, “captains of the army.” Because of their skill and excellence, this was a fantastic fighting force, and we’re told that the least was “equal to a hundred and the greatest to a thousand.”

What particularly distinguished these men was that they were adept at overcoming problems. We see this when they approached the Jordan River. It was a time “when it was overflowing all its banks.” It would have been natural for them to give up or accept defeat. But they were determined to find a way to cross the Jordan. As a result, “they put to flight all those in the valleys, both to the east and to the west.”

How easy it can be to accept defeat when life gets hard. But the Bible indicates that we can do “all things through Christ” (Philippians 4:13). We’re called to be filled with faith and not doubt. We’re told that we can speak words of power, confident that God will grant what we declare (Mark 11:23). We’re promised that no weapon formed against us will prosper (Isaiah 54:17). And, through Christ, we can be overcomers: “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world” (1 John 5:4).

How do you approach the challenges you face? Don’t just accept defeat, but ask God to help you be an overcomer. Don’t assume your obstacles are insurmountable. Instead, have faith to believe God for victory!