The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the LORD. Proverbs 21:31 ESV

War Ends! The welcome news was declared by newspapers and radio stations in August 1945 when US President Harry S. Truman announced Japan’s surrender and the end of World War II. Celebrations erupted across the United States, with parties, parades, and dancing in the streets. On September 2, 1945, the formal surrender documents were signed aboard the USS Missouri, designating the day as the official Victory over Japan Day (V-J Day). Months earlier, the victorious nations had celebrated Victory in Europe (V-E Day) on May 8, 1945. There was celebration, but also the realization of those who were not around to observe it. Victory had been won, though at great cost of lives on all sides.

Unfortunately wars on earth did not end despite the costs and victories. Evil, greed, and power cause more wars.

Someday all wars will be over. God is victorious! King Jesus will reign on the throne! Satan will be defeated and thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur. This source of evil and rebellion will never deceive anyone again (Revelation 20:7-10). Hallelujah!

In the meantime, we are not left defenseless against the devil. You and I are more than conquerors through Him who loved us (Romans 8:37) Romans 8:31–39 states how we can never be separated from God’s love. As followers of Christ Jesus, we do not have to be tripped up by the enemy’s lies, accusations, and snares. We can overcome and have victory in our lives, as John tells us in the book of First John.

For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world— our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? 1 John 5:4–5 ESV

One thing that God has given me victory in is speaking in front of groups of people. I remember speech classes in junior and senior high and college. I would shake not only before my time, but for quite a while afterwards. I sang, but somehow speaking was different. If you had told me I would someday lead prayer groups and teach women to pray at a Moms in Prayer conference, I would have thought you were delusional. Yet God took me from learning to pray aloud with others to leading a small group, and then a larger group. He gave me a passion to share what I learned. I also learned that I must depend on Him for what I need to say by praying before I speak.

* What areas do you struggle with?

* How has God helped you to have victory? In what ways?

The devil will try his best to conquer us. We cannot ignore his assaults or dismiss his power. Satan wants us defeated in our sin. We cannot defeat this enemy on our own. We must rely on God and the power of His Holy Spirit within us and working through us. God can do anything (Job 42:2). Remember, Jesus died and rose from the dead for us!

Even Death is defeated. First Corinthians tells us:

When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written:

“Death is swallowed up in victory.”“O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?”

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:54–56 ESV

What a celebration we will have when our war with sin is completely over and we are in the presence of our Lord.

* Imagine what it will be like to be with Jesus.

Let’s share the good news of the victory of Jesus, so others will be with us to celebrate with the Lord.

Let’s talk with God.

You, O God, are victorious! End times may be coming, but the victory is Yours. Please forgive me for my rebellion and doubts. Help me to live victoriously in You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

###

Scriptures marked ESV are taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, ENGLISH STANDARD VERSION (ESV): Scriptures taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, ENGLISH STANDARD VERSION ® Copyright© 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission.

Top photo of peace dove with world by Geralt on Pixabay.com