Day 3: Victory

“But thanks be to God which giveth us the VICTORY through our LORD Jesus Christ.” I Corinthians 15:57

Who gives us the victory? The LORD Jesus Christ does! A few days ago, I asked on Facebook what are some trials that you are facing or have faced recently. I do not know if you read the responses or not, but I did. There was a myriad of          responses. Yes, some were similar, but yet there was still a wide variety.

Did you recognize one common thread in the responses on Facebook? It does not matter what age, or sex, or background we come from, if we are human, we will face trials. We will face obstacles in our lives. Christians will even face trials. So, if we are to overcome these obstacles in our lives … if we are to get the victory over them … we will need some trustworthy tactics. What better place to find them than in God’s Word! What does God’s Word tell us …

1. We need to realize that each of these battles are actually spiritual battles — Ephesians 6:12 “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” When someone says or does something to hurt us, what do we most often do? We lash back, right? Because they have hurt us. But, what we need to do is stop and recognize that what that person has said or done against us is not personal. It is a spiritual battle. A spiritual battle must be fought spiritually … not with physical retaliation.

2. We need to realize that the battle is the Lord’s to command — II Chronicles 20:15b “… for the battle is not your’s, but God’s.” Too often we are the problem. We step in and act before God has given us leave to do so. We throw words like arrows piercing anything and everyone in its path. The battle is the Lord’s, my friend. Let Him command our ways.

3. Like David, we must adorn ourselves with the armor of God, not man — Ephesians 6:13 “Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” Man’s armor will weigh us down. We will quickly tire and fall defeated. God’s armor gives strength, but we need His complete armor. Do not make the mistake of going forth to battle partially attired for it will only bring defeat!

4. We need to keep our stand — Exodus 14:13 “… Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will shew to you to day …” Sometimes we feel like we are down for the last count, but all we need to do is stand. Have you ever noticed that a standing position is an unmoving position? I had never thought about it before, but it is true. Moving positions are walking, jogging, trotting, running, or sprinting. Place your feet firmly and simply stand!

5. We are more than conquerors — Romans 8:37 “ Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.” Two things to encourage ourselves in today here. One, we do not have to fight alone. Two, He will enable us to be MORE than conquerors!

Do not despair, my friend! God is still in command. Victory is just on the horizon. Follow His command and let VICTORY be your battle cry!