Walking in victory does not mean that there will always be enough money in the bank; nor, does it mean death will not come. It does not mean that your children will always make good choices or you won't have trails on the job or in your marriage.
(John 16:33) Peter said, "Don't consider it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing has happened unto you"
Yet, it does mean no matter what circumstance or situation you are facing today; that you know in your heart ( you heard the message and it took root in your heart) and understand that Jesus Christ is on the throne and he has empowered you through his death to be the victory and not the victim.
Let's look at Colossians 2:13-15
When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. and having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.
Let's talk about the word "Victory"; according to Webster's Dictionary
A little history... Noah Webster was a devout Christian. His 1828 American Dictionary contained the greatest number of Biblical definitions given in any reference volume. In 1833 Webster released his own edition of the Bible called the Common Version not to be confused with the Common Bible. Modern critics were surprised by just how little Webster varied from the King James Version of the Bible.
Victory is.....
1. The overcoming of an enemy or antagonist (According to Colossians 2:13-15; Jesus took care of the enemy on the cross); referring to "having disarmed the powers and authorities"
In the Greek ..... overcome - katakyrieuō (kä-tä-kü-rē-yü'-ō (Key)) exercise dominion over
I John 5:4 says that for everyone born of God overcometh the world: This is the victory that overcometh the world, [even] our faith.
In World War II, when the Allied troops landed on Normandy establishing a beachhead there and then moving into Europe this was the decisive battle/event and it won the war in Europe for the Allied Command. There were still battles to be fought, but the outcome of the war was certain; once the allies landed on French soil and started moving inland step by step toward Germany.
Although, there are still battles we have to fight as Christian; we know that the outcome of this war is certain.
2. Achievement of mastery or success in a struggle or endeavor against odds or difficulties.
Mastery: The knowledge that makes one a master of a situation......
Let's change our focus for a minute and look at the word "Victim"
Victim......
1. One that is acted on and usually adversely affected by a force or agent a.(1) one that is injured, destroyed or sacrificed under any of various conditions(2): one that is subjected to oppression, hardship, or mistreatment b: one that is tricked or duped
Satan uses his many devises to deceive and dupe us. Because of his powers of deception we take the very power that Jesus took from Satan on Cavalry Cross and we give it back to him.
Often I look at the series "Law and Order - Special Victims Unit"
There was an episode where a young girls' father had kidnapped her and locked her in a room. Over time he began to let her roam around the house; however, she still had the mindset of being locked in that room. Because of her mindset she did not utilize the opportunities before her to break away from him and be set free. That is why it is so important for us to renew our minds by the washing of the word.
As men and women of God we are being DUPED; we are living defeated lives because we have been deceived by the enemy. We have been set free and we are living as if we are still in bondage. Stand up and strip off that victim mentality like Blind Bartimaeus in Luke 18:35-43 and put on your robe of victory.
Then began to walk in victory.
There are three actions we must take if we are to live a life of victory.
- Stand firm in your faith - in your belief in a never failing God
Rom 3:4
God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged - Let nothing move you - tough times nor personal tragedy
1Cor 15:58
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. - Give yourself to the work of the Lord - who are you living for YOURSELF or GOD and does it show in your actions, purpose and life.Psa 51:10
Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
Summary:
Joseph, was a man who walked in "Victory".
It is interesting how that God can sum up a person's life with just a few words: "The LORD was with Joseph". That's the story of his life.
It remind me of the comment from "fiddler on the roof"where the fellow says: "Lord, I know we're the chosen people but would you mind choosing somebody else for a while", because of all of the things that are happening. The Lord was with Joseph but it is interesting that the Lord being with him did not spare him the hatred of his brothers, the jealousy. Did not spare him being sold by his brothers. It did not spare him from slavery. It did not spare him from false accusations. It did not spare him from temptation. It did not spare him from false imprisonment.
How do I know Joseph walked in "Victory"?
It is what he said to his brothers in Genesis 50: 19-20.
19. Joseph said to them, "Do not be afraid, for [am] I in the place of God? 20.But as for you, you meant evil against me; [but] God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as [it is] this day, to save many people alive.
Are you in the place of God? Do you have peace in your situation? Only a person walking in victory can put aside the hurts and disappointment of this life to move forward so they can fulfill the purpose to which God has called them.
I challenge you today.......
