Victory in Christ! It’s what many of us as Christians want. It’s what we’ve BEEN PROMISED by Christ himself. But a number of questions come to my mind, questions like: “Why don’t we see more victory in Christ?” or “Why don’t I have more victory in Christ myself?” Many of us are known for our independence, self-reliance, and willingness to “go it on our own.” These qualities are tremendously helpful when homesteading or inventing the A new product or working as a design engineer, but they are NOT GREAT ASSETS when trying to find true victory in Christ. “…this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. For whoever is born of God OVERCOMES THE WORLD. And THIS IS THE VICTORY that has overcome the world—OUR FAITH.” (1 John 5:3-4) We need to be like Him—He was not an island. He was not a maverick who did whatever He wanted. Jesus said, “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and that I DO NOTHING OF MYSELF; but AS MY FATHER TAUGHT ME, I speak these things. And He who sent Me is WITH ME. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things THAT PLEASE HIM.” (John 8:28-29)
Jesus lived in total dependence on God. He chose to live in dependence on the kindness of others, and He depended on the disciples to spread His message after He was gone. That’s a lot of dependence. I realize I need to be increasingly more dependent on God!!! I need to learn to, “TRUST IN THE LORD with all my heart, And lean not on my own understanding; In all my ways acknowledge Him, And He shall DIRECT MY PATHS.” (Pro. 3:5-6) I am doing my best to following Jesus example and as long as I do, He will be honored. As I do this, I KNOW I WILL GROW. So will you Amy, this is day 701 of this prayer vigil, if this is just the beginning, that’s fine we’ll pray as long as it takes!!!
Praise GOD! Jesus was not defeated that day at Calvary! Satan had his moment of gloating only to be defeated the moment JESUS ROSE out of the tomb! Death was not the end…but only the beginning of what would be the most glorious victory for all! Jesus says,
I AM THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE. HE WHO BELIEVES IN ME WILL LIVE FOREVER, EVEN THOUGH HE DIES (naturally)…(John 11:25)
-Bill Stockham