November 9:
But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. – 1 Corinthians 15:57
Every four years, the world witnesses the epitome of earned
victory. Olympians train and compete for years to become
one of the few women and men to ever step on the track or
enter the pool at the summer Olympics. We watch in
wonder as time after time, superior athletic ability and
training means broken records and gold medals.
Many times, we watch as the unexpected happens. The
superstar, whom everyone expects to win, misses the mark
and fails to win the gold medal. The stars failure becomes
an illustration of how often, even those of superior
performance and training will fall short.
The same is true of us. We realize our human weakness
through our inability to perform to perfection. That is why
the truth of this one verse is so very important. Our victory
is given, not earned. God has graciously given us our
victory over death, hell, sin and the grave through Jesus
Christ, our Lord.
Genuine faith confesses this truth: God, it is only through
your grace and mercy that I stand. It is only through your
provision that I have true victory. It is only through the
death and resurrection of Your Son, Jesus, that I win this
race.
Even in the midst of trial, we have this victory. Even when
it seems the world is falling apart around us, we have this
victory. Even when our own strength fails us and we fall
short, we have this victory. Like Paul, I say, “Thanks be to
God!” Give Thanks!