“This is the victory that has overcome the world – our faith.” 1 John 5:4 NKJV
Jesus’ victory removes the illusion of this world’s invincibility.
My thoughts and comments today are about “overwhelming victory.”
The world is not always an easy place to live. Temptations, trouble, threats, terror, and so much more are challenging for any sane, reality-loving person. Jesus spoke of “tribulation and persecution,” troublesome circumstances and trying people. See Matthew 13:18-23 NKJV. Both are troubling and you will most likely experience a bit of both from time to time. But there is good news, very good news. The Psalmist knew of such times, “When my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to that Rock that is higher than I. You have been a shelter for me, a strong tower from the enemy . .” Read Psalm 61:2-4 NKJV. In an overwhelming world at times, there is a place of overwhelming victory all the time.
“For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world – our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but whoever believes that Jesus is the Son of God.” 1 John 5:4-5 NKJV. Between whatever happens and whoever believes is where your faith and His victory must connect. The problem is simple: your faith does not offer an exemption from common trials and trouble. The promise is also simple: steadfast in Christ Jesus, you can overcome every opposition and hindrance. If the process were simple and easy to do on your own, it would be called “getting by” rather than overcoming. I find the words of Jesus encouraging, “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 16:33 NIV. Jesus’ own victory is the precursor and promise of your own.
When you understand that, every trouble is less fearsome. Jesus’ past and present victory removes the illusion of this world’s invincibility. God’s ultimate triumph over all that opposes His will and purpose is beyond question. “These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful.” Revelation 17:14 NKJV. Called, chosen, and faithful! The battle is His; the victory is ours. “Thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ . .” 2 Corinthians 2:14 NKJV.
When a once triumphant foe is soundly defeated and publicly shamed, his further boasts and bravado are nothing more than empty sound and fury. Paul writes of this public humiliation, “Having wiped out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us. [Jesus] has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to His cross. Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.” Colossians 2:14-15 NKJV. The enemy of your soul and life is persuasively disarmed, publicly disgraced, and permanently defeated.
In his pastoral letter to the Christians in Rome, Paul catalogues the full range of human experience, both good and bad (See Romans 8:38-39 NIV), and concludes, “Despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, Who loved us . . [nothing] will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:37 NLT. Overwhelming victory is yours.
My prayer for you today is that you walk in Christ’s victory with courage.