Victory in Faith

What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the word victory? Is it winning a race, a football game, or a tournament? Is it completing a task, or passing a test, or maybe accomplishing a goal you set? Each of these things required training, practice, dedication, patience, and sacrifice. You don’t just get in line for a race with no preparation or training and expect to come in first place. Early on in school I came to the realization that I was not a very fast runner. I could have improved my running ability but, I did not like to run so I was not committed to improve. My lack of dedication and commitment to running was not going to bring me victory in the next race at school. I could not just say, “I have faith that I will do better next race”, when I had no intention to be dedicated to train.

The experiences of life leave many people longing to have a sense of victory in their life. There is such a sense of uncertainty and turmoil that leaves people defeated.  Many people have lost someone they love. Others are struggling financially due to the loss of their job or their hours being cut.  Marriages and relationships are strained or broken. Many of those who are facing these and other problems are feeling a complete sense of defeat. Jesus tells us in the last part of John 16:33 “In this world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” There is nothing this world offers that will bring lasting victory. Success is met with failure, happiness is met with sadness, wealth is met with poverty, safety is met with danger. Placing or faith in anything of this world will, at some point, be met with defeat.

There is only one source of victory. There is only one way to overcome the defeat we will experience in this world. 1 John 5:4 brings hope to the heart that is feeling defeated, “For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world – our faith.” Faith, not in the things of the world, but faith as it states in 1 John 5:5, “Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” The answer is YES! Faith in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus as his sacrifice for our sin is the only way to overcome this world.

When the bible speaks of a “new birth” it is an evidence of new life, life that is necessary because the life that we live on this earth will lead to death, but the life we begin anew with God is eternal. That is victory! 1 John 5:1 – “Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him.” There is victory knowing that we are a child of God. There is victory knowing that His love brings believers together as one, sharing the same love they received from God. There is victory knowing that God has called us to a specific purpose and given us direction for life. 1 John 5:2-3 – “By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome.”

Are you feeling victorious today? If not, have you placed your faith in Jesus Christ and his promise of new life in him? If you are feeling victorious today, is it a temporary victory or is it one that is based on your obedience to God’s command in your life? Will you look to him today for hope, joy, peace, and the promise of eternal life that can begin today as you place your faith in him?