Victory in Jesus’ Name

Life lately: a season of answered prayers

Also life lately: a series of unexpected setbacks

It’s an interesting dynamic. As much as I’ve been thanking God for all the blessings, I’ve also been praying for the places I’ve felt defeated. Fear tries to convince me of worst-case scenarios, despite the courage I’ve had to move forward. Insecurity begs me to think I’m not good enough to walk in the things God has called me to do. And sickness…it had a hold on me for far too long this winter. For all I’m praising God for – relationships, provision, rest, and overall some fun experiences – I’ve also been praying for strength. 

When we focus on these places of struggle, it can be hard to not spiral into mindsets of defeat. Those areas of our life are not the full picture. We don’t have to stay there, even when our minds want to wander and want to set up camp there.  During these times, we must remember this truth:

There is victory in Jesus’ name. He has overcome it all.

How much would our lives change if we declared this truth over our lives instead of fixating on the failures? Scripture magnifies Jesus’ victory, over and over again. May we never tire of this truth!

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” 
- John 16:33 (ESV)

“Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.” 
- Romans 6:8-11 (ESV)

“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory 
through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 
- 1 Corinthians 15:57 (ESV)

“And every priest stands daily at his service, offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet. For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.” - Hebrews 10:11-14 (ESV)

“When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, “Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.” 
- Revelation 1:17-18 (ESV)

I’ve learned to find the blessing in the brokenness: to speak the truth of Jesus’ strength and victory over my shortcomings and challenges. So when I find myself falling into the enemy’s traps, I will align my heart with this truth:

• Fear, anxiety, and overthinking have no place in my mind. Jesus has promised me peace. He is my beginning and end. He already has the victory of the things I’m worried about. 
• Past hurts have no place in my present healing. And for the things I can’t forget, Jesus already walked with me through them. He already has had the victory and is leading me to greater things.
• My qualifications may keep me from feeling worthy. But Jesus has called me to do the work and He has had the victory.
• Sickness may try to keep me out. But I know Jesus is my Healer and He has the victory.
• I may not feel equipped to do this task, but I know God will walk with me through it. I know Jesus will have the victory.
• No matter what happens in my life, I know how the story ends. Jesus has the victory.

I’m not sure where you need to see victory, friend. But I know that Jesus is with you and He has already overcome whatever you’re facing. Jesus always has the victory.