Read
John 1:5,
"Then the man said, ‘Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome.'" Romans 6:10-11,
"The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you."
Think
"We don't fight for victory, we fight FROM victory!" This week we have been looking at what we wrestle with in life – whether it's in the area of relationships, career, school or health. Whatever the circumstance, many of us are relying on our own strength as we fight these battles. In fact, you may be experiencing complete exhaustion from the struggle. Yet you continue to struggle and fight, believing you must win under your own power. There is a societal myth that to be the man, you must beat the man. (Or woman!) But in God's economy, we must be beaten by THE man (Jesus) so we can become GOD'S man! (Or woman!) When Jesus died on the cross and rose from the grave, he defeated sin and death! As Christ-followers, that same power is available to us. And because of that, we are not fighting FOR victory, but FROM victory. In other words, the victory has already been won, so now we just need to fight like the victors we already are! Are you exhausted? Whose power are you relying on? Go back and read the second verse. Remember, that same power that raised Jesus from the dead is available to you. With Jesus, you will overcome!
Act
Write the phrase "FROM VICTORY" on a card and place it where you will frequently see it. Let this be a reminder to you that you are fighting in a battle that has already been won!
Pray
Dear God, thank you for winning the battle before I ever began. Help me to remember that my wrestling is not my own. Let me always be mindful of the fact that I do not fight for victory, but I fight FROM VICTORY. In Jesus' name, Amen.