As we enter the second month of the year, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the challenges and setbacks we’ve faced. But I want to encourage you today – there is Godly hope for victory in your life!
Over the past few weeks, we’ve been exploring what it means to have Godly hope in our series. We’ve looked at having hope for the future, hope to face prosperity, hope for a new life, and hope to overcome battles. Today, we’re going to dive into the ultimate victory we can find in Christ.
The World’s Definition of Victory
The world often defines victory in terms of achievements, status, and material gain. Listen to how some successful people describe winning:
“At the end of the day, it’s better to be an unpleasant winner than a nice loser.” – Anonymous
“I always try to get the best results out of it. I’m not there to just sit second or sit third. I’m a winner and I want to win every single race and I will always go for it.” – Anonymous
“I am a winner. I play to win. I want to make good things go on around me.” – Anonymous
These quotes reveal the world’s values – winning at all costs, being the best, and seeking status and recognition. The world says if you’re not first, you’re a loser.
God’s Definition of Victory
But God’s definition of victory is very different. For God, the standard for victory is based on being, not just doing. As Jesus said:
“For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” (Mark 8:35-36)
The world may see Jesus as a “loser” for going to the cross, but for God, Jesus is the ultimate Victor. He was willing to lay down His life, not compromise His mission, and please God above all else.
The Key to Godly Victory
So what’s the key to finding true, Godly victory? Two essential principles:
1. Don’t compromise God’s values with the values of the world. Our first priority must be pleasing God, not chasing worldly success.
2. Be committed to God’s plans for your life, no matter the cost. Follow Jesus’ example of unwavering commitment to God’s will.
As the Psalmist wrote:
“Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!” (Psalm 27:14)
Choosing Godly Victory in the Midst of Trials
I know many of you may feel like you’re not experiencing victory right now. Life is hard, and the challenges can be overwhelming. But I want to encourage you – this is the year of hope!
God desires for you to do well this year, better than the last. Even when circumstances look bleak, choose to wait on the Lord and trust in His strength. As Psalm 27 reminds us, He will strengthen your heart.
A Challenge for You
I challenge you today to let go of the world’s definition of victory. Stop striving to “win” by the world’s standards. Instead, focus on pleasing God and being committed to His ways, no matter what.
Trust that your true victory is found in Christ, not in your circumstances. He has already made you more than a conqueror! (Romans 8:37)
Will you accept this challenge? I believe that as you do, you’ll experience the power of Godly hope and the unshakable joy of walking in true, eternal victory.
For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39)