Prayer for confidence in the victory of Christ
By Annie Yotty
Bible Reading:
“But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. So, my beloved brothers and sisters, be strong and immobilized. Always work diligently for the Lord. -1 Corinthians 15:57-58 NLT
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Looking into the state of the world today, defeat creeps into my mind and slides into my heart. Consider some of the disturbing trends we see. Almost 1 million children die in the United States every year due to abortions. Over 20% of all pregnancies have been intentionally terminated. According to Open Door, 4,476 Christians were killed, 4,744 were detained or imprisoned in 2024, and students on several American university campuses were harassed and persecuted by Jews. Although we long for world peace, the World Population Review has announced casualties in 38 countries from war, conflict and terrorist activities.
Bad news also approaches the house. Gallup reports that fears of personal safety among Americans have reached 30 years’ heights. Political and cultural differences make relationships more polarized. Finally, if you are like me, you often feel helpless in overcoming sinful desires that continue to suppress your good will. Does any of this feel like a victory? The apostle Paul wrote about the same conflict in his letter to a first century Christian. He personally suffered injustice, and suffered from his own sinful nature. But he said, “But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ (Cor. 15:57 NLT).
Like Paul, how can we be confident in the victory of Christ in the face of overwhelming evidence of the opposition? As Paul said, our victory lies in Christ Jesus. He is our source of confidence. Our victory begins with his victory. Jesus defeated sin through his death on the cross and subsequent resurrection. He invaded the territory claimed to be Satan, becoming a way for us to live in victory and freedom. Jesus also reminded his disciples and us that we will be experiencing battles in this war-torn, sinful world. But he said, “By taking my heart, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33 NLT).
When we are unsure about the victory of Christ Jesus, what picture comes to mind? Do you think he is a sweet baby in manger? Perhaps the image of Jesus dying on the cross will govern your views. Sometimes we push him onto the bystanders of our lives.
The Book of Revelation depicts an image of Jesus that erases all doubts about the sin and victory over death he has acquired for us. His eyes are burning with fire, seeing everything, knowing everything. Many crowns on his head symbolize his absolute authority. He proudly wore his precious, powerful blood-soaked robes to secure a victory for us. From his mouth he swings a sharp sword. Countless enemies of God from all over the world gather against him.
Jesus runs into this scene with the pure white horse revelation and immediately conquer all his enemies (Revelation 19:11-21). His victory is complete and final. Do you think his victory includes you? Don’t be afraid. You, dear Christian, are part of this battle in heaven. Jesus takes his saint to witness the final chapter of his eased victory.
Friends, our confidence in the victory of Christ often sways as we appear at the top of the world in every issue and define victory. Limit victory to temporary ground parameters. We did a lucrative job. Our sick parents have overcome cancer. We moved to our dream house. A person harassing us at work has been fired.
Jesus urges us to take an eternal view of victory. The Bible says sooner or later the world will succumb to Jesus. God’s timing on this is perfect. But our victory happens every day as we choose to submit our hearts and lives to Jesus in the middle of trial.
We follow the example of Jesus’ victory when we endure injustice and humbleness with perseverance. When we shine a spotlight on His glory, even if illness destroys our bodies. When we trust God and pray enthusiastically for our whimsical children. When we abandon our plans and embrace God’s agenda for our time and resources. And when we offer forgiveness in lieu of retaliation for crime. In all these acts, we show the character of Jesus despite our pain and sorrow. The world casts our lives like a rock. That’s a victory.
Let’s pray:
Heavenly Father, when we focus on the conditions of the world around us, we confess that we sometimes lose confidence in the victory that your son, Jesus Christ, has won. And when we realize that we are stuck in the same sin many times, we doubt that we will overcome your strength. But today we believe in your words and remind you that everything is possible. I thank Jesus for his victory over our sins and for his sins that corrupt the world. When our confidence sways, we will ride our white horses into battle to remind us of King Jesus, protecting and protecting his beloved people. His victory is certainly true. Understand the true definition of eternal victory and help you reject cheap alternatives in the world. Tell us how to believe in the truth about Jesus and show us that we will live in His victory for Jesus every day. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Photo credit: ©istock/getty images plus/kieferpix
Annie Yothy writes and speaks to encourage others to perceive the man, existence, supply and purpose of God in unexpected twists and turns. Married to her high school lover and lives in Pennsylvania, she is a teenage mother, two adult children (one with intellectual disabilities), and a Labradoodle, a furry beast. She is written from ignorance to bliss. God’s heart is revealed through Down Syndrome and is to find Jesus the 25 symbols of dedicated Christmas. Connect with her on Annieyorty.com, Facebook and Instagram.
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