Romans 6.4, “We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.”
Deuteronomy 20.4, “For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.”
1 Corinthians 15.55, “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?”
It’s good to remember today that our victory in Christ is not only secure but it Is certain. As Romans 6.4 reminds us, “Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father….we too might walk in newness of life.”
This newness of life is not reserved for tomorrow, it’s available today. Even with disease, pandemics, wars and conflicts, Christ offers new life.
Yet it may be hard for you to accept or realize this today. Maybe you’ve been self-isolating or quarantining by yourself for weeks and you need a friend. Maybe the loneliness is suffocating, the pain seemingly unbearable. Remember this very moment, you have victory through Jesus. And, the Lord is with you. As Deuteronomy tells us, “the Lord…is the one who goes with you to fights…against your enemies.”
In 1 Kings 18.16-45, we find the prophet Elijah on Mount Carmel facing 450 prophets of Baal alone. The odds were against him. The challenge was to call for fire from heaven to consume the sacrifice upon the altar. You remember the story, the prophets of Baal failed but Elijah won the victory. Against incredible odds, God showed up for Elijah, proving to be the Lord who is strong and mighty. (I encourage you to reread this story now in 1 Kings.)
The same God who brought fire from heaven and consumed the sacrifice is the same God who will rescue you from your despair of sin, brokenness and shame. God is your healer, deliverer and strong tower. He is the one who will fight our battles as he did for so many in Scripture.
Will you claim the victory today in Jesus name? Will you call upon the Lord to heal and rescue you? Will you allow the one who has already overcome defeat to win your battle? Trust in the Lord. Lean into his mighty power, for just as Jesus Christ was raised from the dead we too might walk in newness of life.
“O Lord God, you are good. Even when I fail, your love remains steadfast. Even when the world is against us, you overcome. Thank you Lord for loving me and for healing your people. Thank you for the power of the cross and the might of your strength. I call upon you now Holy Spirit, to fill me and all who feel discouraged to be victors and not victims. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen