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Blogs by Lorna Tremaine
There Is No Victory Without It 12/11/2007 10:11:58 PM
Somehow, I had forgotten about the significant role that the “battle” plays in experiencing victory. Sometimes, it is hard to distinguish the difference between normal everyday life from true, full-blown battle. But, I am reminded that without a battle, there is no possibility for victory.
So how then, in the midst of a battle, do I live life with victory? Do I experience a feeling? Is it a single event? A moment of great celebration? Sure, there are moments that are celebrated, and the feelings at a recognized moment of victory certainly are gratifying. But that’s not what I’m talking about. I’m talking about the ups and downs of everyday life and the choices made along the way. Tough, God directed choices that run in the opposite direction from the rest of the world. Doing what’s right for the benefit of others, even though the current culture responds with ridicule. I’m also talking about falling down, then standing up, and pushing forward. I’m talking about overcoming….overcoming whatever is holding me down and pressing on….relentlessly.
Christ’s earthly life, death and resurrection remind me of the battles he encountered along the way and his incredible victory on the cross; a victory that did not come without a fight. Because of God’s faithfulness and willingness to do battle, his victory provided an eternal guarantee…
He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. (Colossians 2:13-15)
I love the words of Winston Churchill who said, “Victory at all costs, victory in spite of all terror, victory however long and hard the road may be.” What penetrating words. It is a concept, a position and a belief that is difficult to live out on a consistent basis because I still have this earthly body to contend with. I will still face moments when the pressures of life are overwhelming and as a result I will fall. And when I do, I will stand up and press forward. Why? Because God provides a means by which I can.
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. (Ephesians 6:10-12)
No matter where I am in life, regardless of my social or economic status - battles await. Around any given corner, on any given day, there is a battle waiting for me. The question is what am I going to do about it? How will I handle it? Will I avoid it? Or tackle it head on? Will I choose to operate in the Flesh or choose to operate in the Spirit? Will I include God in the process, or will I choose to stand alone?
Regardless of the size or number of battles I will face, I know that I can Live Life with Victory because of Christ. As the Word of God promises:
I can do all things through Christ Jesus, who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)
The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still. (Exodus 14:14)
He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:57)
So, whether a battle is raging or the waters are eerily calm, I hold on to God’s promises, not because it’s the “Christian” thing to do, but because God always makes good on his word.
