Written by Eng Kim Leng
This world can be a difficult one to live in; it has its share of sorrows, hardships, toil and other challenges. Amidst these difficulties, we take to heart that we have a God who understands and provides for us, helping us to overcome and be victorious. Our God, who has proven His power throughout history, stands ready to work mightily in our lives, guiding us towards an eternal glory that far outweighs our present struggles. This avenue of help is made possible by Jesus who paid the price, having died for our redemption. His life and death challenge us to reflect deeply the nature of His sacrifice and love, and our own response to adversity.
Jesus was Victorious Over Death
When Jesus was buried, the entrance of the tomb was sealed tight. Pilate placed guards at the entrance, to ensure that no one steal the body. On the third day, when Mary Magdalene went to anoint Jesus’ body with spices, a custom to honour the dead, she found the stone rolled away, and the tomb empty. An angel said to the women, ‘He is risen’. Jesus had resurrected. He arose again on the third day just as He prophesied. The grave could not hold Him. Acts 2:24 says, it was not possible that Jesus should be held by it. The resurrection of Christ is pivotal, for without it, the very foundation of our belief crumbles and our faith in vain. Jesus’ resurrection from the dead is a powerful demonstration of His victory over death, proving His divine power, offering hope of eternal life to us all.
Just as Jesus resurrected, we too shall be raised one day, putting on immortality. Death was swallowed up in victory.
Our Redemption, the Forgiveness of Sin
Redemption in Christ is a dominant theme of the Bible. From the foundation of the world, God has planned to save mankind from the consequences of sin, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself (Ephesians 1:4-5).
The concept of redemption through the forgiveness of sin in Christ offers a powerful message of hope. No matter the extent of our sin, there is a path back to God. Salvation is found in Jesus who has paid the price. When we hear and understand the gospel message, repent, and confess Jesus as Son of God, and thereafter are baptised for the remission of sin, we put on Christ and are redeemed. Thereafter by living a transformed life, we continue to lay hold of salvation and look forward to receiving the crown of life. We thank Jesus who enables us to enjoy this free gift of salvation.
God Helps Us Overcome
The key to achieving victory in Jesus is faith in Christ: “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world – our faith” (1 John 5:4).
As we cultivate and strengthen our faith, we become more attune to God’s presence and promises. This deepening of relationship equips us to overcome obstacles, resist temptations, and experience victories in various aspects of life, be it personal growth, relationships, or spiritual warfare.
God’s providential care is not a distant, detached oversight, but an intimate, active involvement in the lives of His people. He uses both blessings and challenges to shape us, always working towards our ultimate good. He provides us the strength to persevere through trials, the courage to stand firm in convictions, and the wisdom to discern His will. This faith is an active force that shapes our decisions, attitudes, and actions. With God’s providential care, we are equipped not just to survive, but to overcome and be victorious.
Avenue of Prayer
Christians have access to an unparalleled source of strength through prayer. Prayer is a 24/7 access. Even in the middle of the night when everyone else is unavailable, God is ready and willing to hear our prayers.
Jesus says in Matthew 7:7, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” In Mark 11:24: Jesus adds, “… whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” And in James 5:16, we read that “the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”
We Are Fully Equipped
The armour of God, adequately described in Ephesians 6:11-13, is our gear to battle and defend against the power of darkness.
The spiritual armour emphasizes that Christian life involves both protection from negative influences and active engagement in spreading the gospel, values and beliefs. Most of the armour components are defensive tools; however, the ‘sword of the Spirit’ described as ‘the word of God,’ facilitates active living of one’s faith, such as standing firm against spiritual opposition, countering false teachings and ideologies, and resisting temptation, as Jesus did in the wilderness.
Run to Win
Life is likened to a race, where discipline, focus, and perseverance are key requirements for winning. This metaphor encourages us to live our faith in such a way as to finish it well, always keeping in mind the eternal significance of our choices and actions. The one who fights the good fight and finishes the race in Christ (2 Timothy 4:7) will receive a crown of victory.
All who run and finish the life’s race faithfully are considered winners. The emphasis is on running with commitment and dedication, rather than on competing against others. Running to win demands continuous improvement through practice, self-examination and rigorous training. It calls for us to grow in faith, knowledge, and character throughout our life, keeping in mind the eternal nature of the ‘prize,’ an everlasting reward.
POWER of God
I have outlined some of the keys to living victoriously in Christ:
Avenue of Prayer – God hears us
God Helps Us Overcome – Our faith as enabler
Run to Win – to finish the race, victorious
Fully Equipped – to defend and protect
Our Redemption – ultimately to receive the crown of victory
The first letter of the key words come together to form the word, POWER, an acronym for easy remembrance, as well as denoting our God, the Almighty. Psalm 147:5 declares, “Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; His understanding is beyond measure.” Jesus affirms in Matthew 19:26 that with God, all things are possible. The God we worship is able to do all things, above and beyond what we can imagine, delivering us from the power of darkness, even over death, our salvation (Ephesians 3:20-21).
This passage speaks to the limitless nature of God’s power through Jesus. His power is actively at work, providing us the strength and resources needed for victory. He can do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine, beyond what is requested.