March 3 THE OVERCOMER "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33, NIV). In the portrait of the mighty overcomer, Christ predicted His victory at the cross. Looking forward to the conflict on Calvary, He was confident that the prince of this world would be decisively defeated. Throughout His earthly ministry, Christ was constantly locked in deadly combat with the enemy. In all these engagements of the great controversy, He remained the undefeated-and undefeatable-world champion. One of the most crucial battles was fiercely fought in the wilderness at the initiation of Christ's public ministry. In this encounter, our Saviour won a decisive victory (see Matthew 4:1-11). It was so sweeping a victory that Satan "departed from him for a season" (Luke 4:13). However, the enemy soon returned in fury. Even from infancy, Christ's life was "one long struggle against the powers of darkness."--The Desire of Ages, p. 71. The ultimate victory was conclusively won on the cross when the conqueror exclaimed, "It is finished" (John 19:30). Then the prophecy of Genesis 3:15 met its triumphant fulfillment. Christ, the seed of the woman, had crushed the serpent's head. Every step in God's redemptive strategy had been completed according to the divine timetable (see Luke 23:44-46). Christ, the mighty conqueror, had triumphed. By this victory, Christ had guaranteed the salvation of the human race. Having overcome, He has given us the assurance that because He overcame, we too can be made overcomers through His amazing grace (see Revelation 3:21). Here is the key to this victory: "He who triumphed over the adversary of souls in the conflict with temptation understands Satan's power over the race, and has conquered in our behalf. As an overcomer, He has given us the advantage of His victory... We may resist in His all-powerful name and overcome as He overcame."--In Heavenly Places, p. 251. My Prayer Today: Lord, I am encouraged that because You overcame, I too shall overcome. Amen.