How To Be an Overcomer: 3 Truths to Stand Strong in Christ

Living as an Overcomer in a Challenging World

If you’ve ever wondered how to be an overcomer in Christ when life gets hard, this post is for you Let’s face it—life in this world isn’t easy. Every day brings its own set of challenges, distractions, and temptations that can pull us away from our faith and peace of mind. But here’s the good news: in Christ, we’re not meant to live in defeat. We’re called to be overcomers.

So what does that actually mean?

Being an overcomer doesn’t mean we’ll never face struggles. It means that through Jesus, we have the strength to rise above them. As believers, we’re called to walk differently—to follow Christ and resist the pull of a world that’s constantly trying to shape our thoughts and actions. Even though we live in this world, we don’t belong to it. The enemy works subtly, using the systems and values around us to lead hearts astray. But when we see the world for what it truly is, we begin to understand just how vital it is to stay grounded in God’s truth and walk boldly in faith.

Can We Really Live in This World Without Feeling Defeated?

This is something I wrestle with often. Maybe it’s the body of flesh I live in, or maybe it’s just the nonstop stream of voices, images, and opinions that come at me every single day. Either way, it’s not always easy to stay focused. Some days, I feel pulled in a hundred directions, and before I know it, I’ve spent more time watching funny dog videos and playing games on my phone than I have in prayer or the Word. And while I love encouraging others and sharing truth, I still have to fight against those same distractions. I’m sure you have your own, too.

The world is loud. It wants our attention, our energy, and eventually, our hearts. But as believers, we’ve been called to something different—to walk as Jesus walked, even when the world is pulling us the other way. And that’s not always easy. Still, the more we recognize the way the world works—how it subtly shifts our focus and tries to mold us—the more we can lean into God’s strength and resist it. This is how to be an overcomer in Christ: not by escaping the world, but by standing firm in Him. We may live in this world, but we don’t have to be ruled by it.

Do not love the world neither the things that it offers you. For when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever. 1 John 2: 15-17

How Do We Live Victoriously in a World Like This?

Let me tell you, this world can wear you out if you're not anchored in something stronger. But here’s the truth I keep coming back to: our victory doesn’t come from having a perfect life or avoiding trouble—it comes from holding onto Jesus. He already overcame this world, and because of that, so can we. Jesus walked through this life fully human. He faced temptation, pain, rejection, all of it—and yet He didn’t sin. That blows my mind every time I think about it. He stood strong in the very world that tries to tear us down, and now, through His death and resurrection, He’s given us the power to stand too.

I know life can throw some heavy stuff at us. The pressures, the distractions, the personal battles—it gets real. I’ve had days where I’ve felt completely overwhelmed, wondering how to keep my faith steady with so much going on. But the more I lean into Him, the more I realize we’re not doing this alone. God has already given us what we need to live with strength and courage, no matter what comes. So even when the world feels heavy, we don’t have to live defeated. Victory is already ours in Christ.

"These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." – John 16:33 (KJV)

Practical Truths on How to Be an Overcomer in Christ

The Lust of the Flesh

When our desires rule instead of God's Spirit

"Now the works of the flesh are manifest..."
Galatians 5:19–21 (KJV)

Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envying, murders, drunkenness, reveling, and such like... they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

Let’s Be Real:
I don’t know about you, but I often feel the tug-of-war between walking in the Spirit and giving in to my flesh. Whether it's frustration, impatience, or the craving to do what I want instead of what God wants—it’s a battle. But thank God for the Spirit who convicts, corrects, and helps us walk in victory!

The Lust of the Eyes

When seeing leads to coveting

"Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way."
— Psalm 119:37 (KJV)

The eyes are a blessing—God gave them to help us experience His creation. But oh, how easy it is for our eyes to want more. More stuff. More status. More things that look good but aren’t God-good.

My Confession:
There have been days when scrolling social media left me feeling less-than. Suddenly, someone else’s new house, vacation, or even ministry can stir up envy or discontentment. That’s when I have to pray, “Lord, help me desire what You desire for me.”

The Pride of Life

When we make ourselves the center

“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.”
— Proverbs 14:12 (KJV)

This one’s sneaky. Pride creeps in when we lean on our own strength, our own smarts, or seek to be known more than to make Him known. The pride of life says, “I got this.” But we know that without God, we are nothing.

A Word of Caution:
The enemy used this same tactic on Eve in the garden. He told her the tree would make her wise—like God. That same lie still whispers today: “You don’t need God for this one.” But wisdom apart from God always leads to downfall.

Reflect + Respond:

Which of these three areas do you wrestle with the most—flesh, eyes, or pride?
What scripture can you hold onto this week to resist the pull of the world?

Walk Boldly in Victory

Get ready to be empowered and encouraged, my friend! When the enemy comes at us with his tired old schemes, we don’t have to shrink back—we lean into the strength of the Lord. The truth is, sin has already been defeated by Jesus. His sacrifice broke the power of sin and set us free. We are not who we used to be—God’s Spirit now lives in us, leading us, helping us, and reminding us who we belong to.

And guess what? If you’ve ever wondered how to be an overcomer in Christ, it starts right here—with surrender. When we yield to the leading of God's Spirit, we become His we walk as sons and daughters of the King. We don’t have to walk in fear, shame, or defeat. Through Jesus, we have the victory—and that victory is yours today. So chin up, shoulders back—you’re more than a conqueror in Christ!