VICTORYনমুনা

The Victory is Yours Whipped 5 times, beaten by rods 3 times, stoned, shipwrecked 3 times, bitten by a snake, adrift at sea for a day, often without food, and arrested several times—Paul the apostle spent in total about 5 to 6 years of his life in jail. Facing near death along with several other struggles, Paul found himself in a war, but he knew that it wasn’t people he was fighting against. In Ephesians 6:12, Paul informs us of an unseen realm that has influence over the thoughts and values of entire people groups. “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” We were born into a war. The opponent isn’t our neighbor, a political party or country that threatens our freedom. This war is not human-centered, it is centered on a spirit realm. The attack is not on us—it’s on the Kingdom of God that lives inside of us. This war belongs to God, and He has already won. Jesus took on all sin, sickness, disease, trauma, and abuse and then rose from the grave to be seated “far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named.” (Ephesians 1:21). Knowing this, we have great hope in our Advocate, whose throne withstands all principalities and powers. His victory over evil is our inheritance. As sons and daughters, we fight from victory, not for victory. This knowledge fills us with peace that crushes Satan under our feet. (Romans 16:20). “In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 Jesus died and rose so that we could live in His victory, taking it on as our identity. In the middle of storms, we can rest in the Prince of Peace, reminding the enemy that he has already been defeated. The victory belongs to Jesus, and His victory is ours. Pray & Reflect * What hardship are you facing that is causing you to feel like a victim? * How does what you read about Jesus’ victory affect how you see this situation? * Take time to bring this situation before God, surrender it to Him, and rest in His victory and peace. Ask Him to show you who you are, and what it looks like to make His victory part of your identity.