Inspiration Behind Overcomer:
Mandisa wrote Overcomer following the death of a close friend. Keisha was diagnosed with breast cancer and wasn’t able to recover, claiming another victim to this deadly disease. Mandisa took her friend’s death hard, battling anxiety, hopelessness and suicidal thoughts. The lyrics of Overcomer serve as a personal journey to recover and overcome future adversities in life.
Biblical Application:
Then Jesus’ disciples said, “Now you are speaking clearly and without figures of speech. 30 Now we can see that you know all things and that you do not even need to have anyone ask you questions. This makes us believe that you came from God.” 31 “Do you now believe?” Jesus replied. 32 “A time is coming and in fact has come when you will be scattered, each to your own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me. 33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world,” John 16:29-33.
Exegesis of Overcomer:
Staring at a stop sign
Watching people drive by
T. Mac on the radio
Got so much on your mind
Nothing’s really going right
Looking for a ray of hope
Mandisa is going for a drive to clear her mind. She’s listening to Toby Mac, looking for a ray of hope with nothing seeming to be going right in life.
Whatever it is you may be going through
I know He’s not gonna let it get the best of you
Mandisa points to the lives of her listeners, encouraging them to lean on God so that these daily troubles don’t get the best of you.
You’re an overcomer
Stay in the fight ’til the final round
You’re not going under (you’re not going under)
‘Cause God is holdin’ you right now
The chorus points to a boxer, staying on their feet until the final round. Let God be your strength.
You might be down for a moment
Feeling like it’s hopeless
That’s when He reminds you
That you’re an overcomer (whoa-oh)
You’re an overcomer (whoa-oh)
Bounce back in life by having the faith of an overcomer.
Everybody’s been down
Hit the bottom, hit the ground
Ooh, you’re not alone
Everyone hits rock bottom at some point in life.
Just take a breath, don’t forget
Hang on to His promises
He wants you to know
Reach for and cling to God’s promises in the Bible to get you through tough times.
You’re an overcomer
Stay in the fight ’til the final round
You’re not going under (you’re not going under)
‘Cause God is holding you right now
Never give up. Keep fighting.
You might be down for a moment
Feeling like it’s hopeless
That’s when He reminds you
That you’re an overcomer (whoa-oh)
You’re an overcomer (whoa-oh)
If you do fall, get right back up by developing an overcomer attitude.
The same man, the Great-I-Am
The one who overcame death
Is living inside of you
So just hold tight, fix your eyes
On the one who holds your life
There’s nothing He can’t do
Mandisa appears to point to the words of Hebrews 12:1-3. Keep your head up by fixing your eyes upon Jesus.
He’s telling you (take a breath, don’t forget)
(Hang on to His promises)
Be still before God. As you rest, look to God’s promises in the Bible.
You’re an overcomer
Stay in the fight ’til the final round
You’re not going under (you’re not going under)
‘Cause God is holding you right now
Stay optimistic. Don’t let your mind give into defeat.
You might be down for a moment
Feeling like it’s hopeless
That’s when He reminds you
That you’re an overcomer (whoa-oh)
You’re an overcomer (whoa-oh)
You’re an overcomer (whoa-oh)
You’re an overcomer (whoa-oh)
Meditate and memorize Bible verses so that when you’re feeling down, these words will uplift your spirit.
So don’t quit, don’t give in
You’re an overcomer
Don’t quit, don’t give in
You’re an overcomer
Don’t quit, don’t give in
You’re an overcomer
You’re an overcomer
Persevere. Stay mentally tough. Develop an overcomer spirit.
Final Thoughts:
When one of my best friends from high school died of cancer, I was devastated. Maureen’s death took years to overcome, but this struggle led me to become a youth pastor. Each trial that you face in life provide opportunities for spiritual growth. While you might not handle each one well, keep pressing on. If you do, you’ll understand the feeling of becoming an overcomer.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 