Claim The Victory as you share the truth of God’s Word
Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil, walketh about seeking whom he may devour.”
(1 Peter 5:8)
Those who serve in ministry face spiritual opposition at an intense level. Satan is relentless in his efforts to distract, discourage and defeat those who follow the Lord. Peter states in our text that the devil seeks those he may devour. That word “devour” means to swallow up, consume or destroy. God’s plan for our life is neither defeat nor destruction. Understandably, we do not live in a perfect world. Nor, do we work with perfect people in a perfect church. And there may be times when we feel trapped by troubles and overwhelmed by obstacles. I Corinthians 15:57 says, “But thanks be to God who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Experience does not validate truth. The truths of God stand true irrespective of experience or opinion. Victory is not just a good subject for sermons, songs and celebration…. but it is God’s promised provision. 2 Cor 2:14 says, “Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ.”
There is no shortage of bad news in the world. Political unrest, moral confusion, the threat of war and an inflationary economy mark the times we live in. Only God’s Blood Bought Church offers a message of hope to a lost world desperately searching for hope, help and healing. Let the Church be the Church. Victory…..may we sing it in the sanctuary, preach it in the pulpits, teach it in the classroom and share it in our small groups. Critics would be quick to call it “holy hype”…..that is not so: “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us.”
Today on the job, tonight in your family, this week in your church, you will have an opportunity to speak an encouraging word of victory to someone. What a privilege to be a voice for God. No degree or credential is required to minister grace, encouragement, and cheer to those around us.
“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good, to the use of edifying (building up), that it may minister grace to the hearers.”
(Ephesians 4:29)