A Continual Victory

Idea: The Gospel is our hope because it always prevails.
John 1.5 (CSB): The light shines in the darkness, and the
darkness has not overcome it. 

Devotional: Kayla and I were playing Rummy a few weeks ago. After ten hands, she lost by 225 points. While she lost with class, I do not know of anyone who likes to lose; I know I don’t. I like to win and I know many others who like to win, too. Sadly, the reality is that we won’t always win. There will be times that we fail miserably. But, while we may experience failure and defeat, it does not change the reality that we are victorious.
 
Today’s verse demonstrates just that reality. John opened his Gospel by telling us a great deal about Jesus and the reality that Jesus is eternally victorious. Think about it like this: “God sent his light into the world, but mankind did not understand it, could not grasp it. But the world will never be able to defeat it” (Holman NT Commentary, John, 11).
 
Satan tried to cause him to sin, but failed. The Jewish leaders tried to stop him, but couldn’t. They tried to kill, but discovered that no grave could hold him. Jesus has never been defeated, nor will he ever be defeated!
 
Therefore, our hope is in Christ—who never fails! He has not been overcome by any scheme of the Devil. James put it like this: In Jesus, there is no variation or shadow cast by [his] turning (James 1.17) because he is totally pure. Today, find your hope and confidence in the one who is always victorious. Remember, our only victory and hope is Jesus Christ and him crucified (1 Cor. 2.2)...not a deck of cards, our talents, or abilities... Only Jesus.

​For Reflection…
 
-What do you think it means to have victory in Christ? Where can you find examples in the Bible?
 
-Praise God for the victory that Christ has provided. Thank him that we are victorious because Christ is victorious.

Remember, you are not fighting for victory, but from victory, for Jesus Christ has already defeated Satan!
— Warren Wiersbe