From Victory To Victory!

By Bishop Taiwo Akinola

But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ ~ 1 Corinthians 15:57.

Introduction:
Naturally, life is full of challenges, difficulties and trials. But, as believers, we have the unfailing assurance of triumph and victory in our journeys through life (2 Corinthians 2:14).
Victory is very sweet, defeat is painfully bitter! That is why, no matter the challenges we face in life, God always wills that His people should shout ‘victory’ at last. He helped saints of old to victory — Moses, David, Elijah, Elisha, Joshua, Samson, Deborah, Esther, Paul, Peter etc; He can help you too, even now!
Victory describes that pleasant experience of overcoming and gaining control over an enemy or an antagonist. It is an engagement effecting  success in an endeavor, against all odds or difficulties. Victory implies conquest in a competition or a struggle.
To have victory means winning despite opposition and challenges. It is converting failure to success, and retrieving triumphs from the jaws of defeat! In general, victory is used to describe a win over an opponent or over difficult problems. 
In spiritual parlance, we are said to be victorious when we defeat the things or the entities that hinder us, especially in our relationship with God and His covenant provisions for us.
There are different classes of victory enunciated in the Bible: victory over sin and Satan, victory over the enemies of destiny, victory over trials and other debilitating challenges of life, and so on.
David faced many battles in life (Psalms 3:1-5). At a time, he was even surrounded by enemies that were ‘too strong’ for him (Psalms 18:16-24). Happily though, they were too strong for David, but not for his God. Therefore, he was rescued and brought into a large place of victory and testimonies.
Trials may come in various forms: terminal sicknesses, threats of death, delays, betrayals, barrenness, hardship, poverty, demonic affliction, marital mess, persecution, and so on. 
However, at the difficult times of trial, you will do well to remember Job, who was an inspiration all through his challenges, and who became victorious at last (Job 30:1-32:22). And, if you are struggling with sin or enemies stronger than you at the moment, cry out to God for help, He will rescue you.

Victory: Our Origin & Destination as Believers
For the believers, victory is our origin or starting point, and it is our destination in Christ Jesus, if only we continue to hold the right perspective of the Christian life. See, for most times, how you stand determines how you will withstand evil, and how you walk through life is based upon the perspectives you embrace.
In his call to arms and induction, George Duffield, the author of the Church’s evergreen song put fire in our bones when he said: “Stand up, stand up for Jesus, Ye soldiers of the cross; Lift high his royal banner, It must not suffer loss: From vict’ry unto vict’ry, His army he shall lead, ‘Til ev’ry foe is vanquished, And Christ is Lord indeed”.
When you are facing circumstances with a lot of unknowns, you must refuse to worry about things that could go wrong. Always expect victory, remembering that Christ came so that we can enjoy victory in all ramifications.

Positioning Yourself for Victory In Christ Jesus
Fighting to win is fighting from a secure position of victory. The believers are not just fighting for victory, but from a position of victory in Christ Jesus. And, when you choose to maintain your lane in Him, your victory is a forgone conclusion.
The moment you attempt to fight for victory, you are fighting in unbelief and you are defeated even before the battle begins. When you try to get what God has already given you in Christ, you are effectively saying that you don’t have it.
Very many years ago, one wise man, a renowned war strategist, said: “victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win” (Sun Tzu).
Those words commend proper conduct in physical military warfare, but they equally describe perfectly the essential truth that underpins our spiritual warfare as Christians. We must chart our course in life, every day already victorious, for we get what we expect!
The Apostle Paul said, “ …. we are more than conquerors through him that loved us ….. (Romans 8:37-39). It is erroneous and disorderly, therefore, for any believer to indulge in any form of defeatist attitude. The battle belongs to the Lord, and He has already secured the ultimate victory when He paid for our sin on the Cross at Calvary, and His empty tomb proved it.
Basically, we overcome by what Jesus did for us on the Cross and by the testimony of His goodness that we profess (Revelation 12:10-11). And, you stand well to withstand evil and secure victory only when you take your stand in the faith of Jesus Christ (1 John 5:4). Our victory is fully secured only in Christ Jesus!
Moreover, divine victory happens when our victory depends on God, and not man. We win only as God fights for us! Therefore, trusting God for a good outcome is a fundamental secret of continuing victory (Deuteronomy 20:1-4).
Trust is reliance on another, on their integrity, strength and ability. When you trust God, your faith is not misplaced. He will never fail you. Even if the outcome differs from your expectation, you can still rest assured that God knows better, and sees clearer and farther than you can. No matter what, “Be not afraid”, knowing full well that “safety is of the LORD” (2 Chronicles 20:15; Proverbs 21:31).
Yes, sometimes in our Christian journeys, we have pain and hurts, but we must keep moving ahead, fighting the good fight, and trudging triumphantly from our secured position of victory through Christ Jesus.
Remember always: you are not fighting for victory, but from a secure position of victory, because Jesus Christ has already defeated Satan! And, most certainly, “…. the LORD saveth his anointed ….” (Psalms 20:6-8). Therefore, never act defeated. Be vigilant. Stand firm, and having done all, remain standing.

In conclusion, we are well positioned for victory when we daily live, walk and work in the power of the Holy Spirit (Zechariah 4:6). It was the Holy Spirit that beautified the experience of Samson (Judges 15:14-15). The Holy Spirit was also the Banner that secured victory for David in his epic battle against Goliath (1 Samuel 17:45-46, 50). 
From victory to victory, that shall be your testimony evermore, in Jesus Name. But, keep in mind that your implicit obedience to the Holy Spirit is required to provoke the angels of victory to work tirelessly in your favour (Exodus 23:20-23). Brethren, please believe God for it, your laughter of victory has just begun! Amen. 

Happy Sunday!

Bishop Taiwo Akinola is the Presiding Bisop of Rhema Christian Church and Towers, Sango Ota, Ogun State