Good Morning all, I am so excited as I sit writing this post. Today I can say I am overcome.
We have triumphed over adversity. – WOW that statement sounds so easy, and if I am honest I would tell you it’s not that easy. Adversity comes and sometimes it knocks us on our butt.
Jeremiah 20:11 (ESV) ~ But the LORD is with me as a dread warrior; therefore, my persecutors will stumble; they will not overcome me. They will be greatly shamed, for they will not succeed. Their eternal dishonour will never be forgotten.
Many times, I have sat looking back at the road I have just walked wondering when will I see the victory the word speaks of, over this nightmare that is called my life.
The Bible speaks of victory, regardless of the circumstances that come against you, God’s purpose will prevail, despite what the world says, despite what life looks like; God will prevail. Even when “bad” things happen, or wrong choices are made.
God can use every situation, to bring about His glory. Even if you don’t feel like you’re winning this race, know that His purpose for you will prevail in the end.
Proverbs 28:12 (ESV) When the righteous triumph, there is great glory, but when the wicked rise, people hide themselves.
John 14:15-18 ~ We are led in continual triumph in Christ.
I came and sat down next to Andre this morning, getting ready to read the word of God. We opened the bible in Mark 11 and started reading about the triumphant entry Jesus made into Jerusalem on the donkey.
I have been feeling a little bit worn out. Or should I say feeling sorry for myself? Not only because I was so exhausted from fighting for every inch, but because I was also feeling inadequate. Words like “You are not good enough” “You will never be smart enough” or “You are a burden” kept coming to mind. I realised that it doesn’t matter how weak I may feel; or how inadequate I may be for the journey ahead. I might feel overwhelmed but I have a duty to God, to give everything in my service to Him.
The one true thing in your relationship with God is; He is always constant, and never changing. He will not forsake you and He will not forget you. No matter what happens today, God will always lead you into triumph through Christ Jesus!
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When I read about the apostle Paul I am strengthened in my spirit because I know that through his own personal experience, he understands the weight I feel hanging on my shoulders.
2 Corinthians 2:12-17 ~ Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ’s gospel, and a door as opened to me by the Lord, I had no rest in my spirit, because I did not find Titus my brother; but taking my leave of them, I departed for Macedonia. Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are perishing. To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life. And who is sufficient for these things? For we are not, as so many, peddling the word of God; but as of sincerity, but as from God, we speak in the sight of God in Christ
God gave Paul a task that was far beyond his human ability. Reading the word of God we can see that Paul experienced lots of setbacks and even more let-downs. At times he was frustrated, hurt, and concerned. And yet, Paul ended the race set before him in victory.
God used Paul to change the world. Just like Paul; God has set a journey before each of us. A race that needs to be completed. The secret to accomplishing this journey is set out in 2 Corinthians 4:6-7 ~ “For it is the God who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, who has shown in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.”
The power to run the race and fulfil the tasks that God gives us is not and cannot be completed through human power. We are but mere ‘earthen vessels’ clay pots – in the hands of our potter. God entrusts the glory of His Son to be displayed through us inside this broken world
Today I feel like Paul that even in my weekend state God can still use me, that I can live my life showing the faithful living Christ to others: Paul says, 2 Corinthians 4:8 – 15 ~ We are experiencing trouble on every side, but are not crushed; we are perplexed, but not driven to despair; we are persecuted, but not abandoned; we are knocked down, but not destroyed, always carrying around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be made visible in our body. For we who are alive are constantly being handed over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus may also be made visible in our mortal body. As a result, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you. But since we have the same spirit of faith as that shown in what has been written, “I believed; therefore I spoke,” we also believe, therefore we also speak. We do so because we know that the one who raised up Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus and will bring us with you into his presence. For all these things are for your sake, so that the grace that is including more and more people may cause thanksgiving to increase to the glory of God.
It is because of God that I can say with Paul in verse 16 “Therefore we do not lose heart” No matter the circumstances, I will not lose hope, I will stay anchored to God faithfully moving forward, faithfully trusting in the power of Christ ~ NO MATTER WHAT ~ God always leads us to triumph through Christ Jesus!
I needed this from God today. I needed to remember that through my Saviour He will lead me to victory. If I think of this victory I am in awe of Jesus who triumphed over death and sin.
The noted bible expositor William Barcley tells us a lot about the Roman Triumph, which was a remarkable thing in Paul’s days. Whenever a conquering Roman general returned home from battle. If he had fulfilled the conditions of war. Which are:
- He had been successful in battle, defeated the foreign enemy
- Taken their territory for the Roman empire
- Established peace for Rome in the region conquered.
- Successfully led his troops back home in victory
- Then the general was honoured with the highest honour the Roman empire could bestow. He was honoured in Triumph, and a great procession would march throughout the streets of Rome on the way to the Roman capital.
- In the lead would be the political leaders of Rome.
- The Senate and other state officials.
- Behind them would be loud trumpeters blaring out songs of victory.
- Behind the trumpeters and musicians would be wagons and carts that pulled all the spoils and treasures taken from the land.
- These spoils were given as gifts by the conquering general to the people of his empire.
- Posters and paintings depicted scenes from the conquered land that would be carried along in the parade.
- Along with models of enemy fortresses that were conquered, and enemy ships that had been captured.
- At last. the great general himself appeared standing tall and strong upon a chariot drawn by four mighty stallions.
If misery loves company, then triumph demands an audience.
~ Brian Moore
I can’t wait to see our triumph on that glorious day. When we will walk in the fullness of Jesus Christ, grace upon grace as we follow the footsteps of our General as we shout Triumph, Jesus has Triumphed.
May we all respond to the call, may we always lead others in triumph to Christ, and may we disperse the fragrant perfume of His grace and knowledge in every place. For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are perishing.
For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.
~ Galatians 5:1
For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light
~ Ephesians 5:8
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
~ Philippians 4:19
Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.
~ John 14:1
By this I know that you delight in me, my enemy will not shout in triumph over me.
~ Psalm 41:11
O my God, in you I trust; let me not be put to shame; let not my enemies exult over me.
~ Psalm 25:2
For we are the aroma of Christ to God …
~ 2 Corinthians 2:15-16
Then Moses and the people of Israel sang this song to the LORD, saying, I will sing to the LORD, for he has triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea.
~ Exodus 15:1
When the righteous triumph, there is great glory..
~ Proverbs 28:12
His heart is steady; he will not be afraid, until he looks in triumph on his adversaries.
~ Psalm 112:8
Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act.
~ Psalm 37:5
After this I heard what seemed to be the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, crying out, Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, for his judgments are true and just;
~ Revelation 19:1
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
~ Romans 8:28
Save us, O LORD our God, and gather us from among the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name, and glory in your praise.
~ Psalm 106:47
In a time of uncertainty, one thing will never change and that is that God has called us from darkness into His marvellous light, and through Him, we will triumph.
Dear Lord,
Thank You for changing my outcome, from death to life. Help me to finish my race, that one day You can pull back the curtain of my life and see me walk in Victory. Bless your people, strengthen them with Your power and help them to see Your glorious light which is upon them ~ Amen
