Overwhelming Victory
I take great comfort when I go through a life trial in the fact, I know I am not alone in my journey. The Bible is full of people who experienced some of the same issues I do, and they did not give up.
One such person is Paul. In 2 Corinthians 11:24-27 (New Living Translation Bible, 1996), Paul writes about some of the issues he faced in his life as referenced below.
“24 Five different times the Jewish leaders gave me thirty-nine lashes. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. Once I spent a whole night and a day adrift at sea. 26 I have traveled on many long journeys. I have faced danger from rivers and from robbers. I have faced danger from my own people, the Jews, as well as from the Gentiles. I have faced danger in the cities, in the deserts, and on the seas. And I have faced danger from men who claim to be believers but are not. 27 I have worked hard and long, enduring many sleepless nights. I have been hungry and thirsty and have often gone without food. I have shivered in the cold, without enough clothing to keep me warm.”
As we can see, Paul went through some stuff in his life. However, he goes on to say in Romans 8:35-37 (New Living Translation Bible, 1996), “35 Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? 36 (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.”) 37 No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us”
With everything Paul went through, he said despite all my problems and despite all the setbacks I have had, I walk in overwhelming victory. I walk on through every test and trial life can throw at me because of Jesus, and how He loves me.
One definition of “overwhelmed” (Merriam-Webster, 2022) is to cover over completely, submerge.
What Paul was saying is when it looks like what we are going through might diminish our quality of life, be assured that Jesus has us completely covered and submerged under His cover. Another word we could use to define submerge is hidden. He has hidden and concealed us in victory.
Paul went on to say Romans 8:38-39 (New Living Translation Bible, 1996), “38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. 39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
If nothing can separate us from God’s love, then what do we have to fear when we are walking through hell. And If I know He loves me then no matter what I am walking through I will be covered, hidden and completely concealed in victory.
The battles we face in life are never easy, fun, or comfortable but the good news is even when it looks like we have been defeated, we have one who loves us unconditionally and because of that we are completely 100% covered and concealed with victory.
This is why Paul could say that despite all the things he went through and endured in his life, he still was on the side of victory. No matter what you are facing today, keep the switch of faith turned on. God loves you unconditionally and is on your side. Nothing you will ever do or have done will change that. You are not going to be victorious you are already victorious through Jesus Christ.
References
(New Living Translation Bible, 1996)
(Merriam-Webster.com. 2022. https://www.merriam-webster.com (5 May 2022)