Christ's Victory

“Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” St. John 16:33 (NLT)

No one likes "trials and sorrows." Yet, we know they are a real part of life. We have a choice. We can focus on them and be depressed and defeated most of the time. Or, we can focus on the victory of Christ and rise above them.

Remember this: those who are "accused before our God day and night" (Rev. 12:10) will be victorious "by the blood of the Lamb, and by their testimony" (Rev. 12:11). I choose to testify of God's grace and victory -- even in the midst of trials and sorrows -- because Christ has defeated my enemy and all things worldly.

While our earthly lives may be spotted with trials and sorrows, we are not defeated. Instead, we believe and are certain that the blood of Jesus Christ, the Lamb covers us. So, who can justly accuse us? The blood of the Lamb justifies us!  Who can justly condemn us? The blood of the Lamb was shed for us! Who or what can separate us from the love of God? Not trials. Not sorrows. Nothing in this world can defeat us! "We are more than conquerors through him that loved us" (Romans 8: 37). So, what may we conclude? If God is for us, who can defeat us?

Since I have the choice, like Joshua, I say, "As for me and my house we will serve the Lord" (Joshua 24:15). I choose to wash my sins away in the blood of the Lamb. I choose to live in the victory of the Lamb. I choose to depend upon the victory of the Lamb. And I choose to testify of his saving grace. He has overcome the world . . . and because he did, through him I have too! 

Dear Father, thank you for your Lamb on Calvary. Empower us with a victorious attitude that depends upon the victory of that sacrifice. AMEN

Be strong and courageous today in Christ's victory,