In whole, the problem of victorious living has to do with the fact of the battle. Spiritual warfare comes often to us as a surprise: did not Jesus teach us that He came to give us “abundant life?” (John 10:10)
Early in my Christian life I listened daily on the radio to “Unshackled,” which comes from Pacific Garden Mission in Chicago, and to “Stories of Great Christians,” which was produced by Moody Press. That was before I began reading nearly every book I heard was a good one.
How my heart swelled and tears fell each day as I cried out to the LORD that I would follow Him! Somehow the connection that life would have times similar to heroes of the past seemed to evade me; but life did not; nor did many struggles. Even then, their struggles, it seems to me, were lives of the greater difficulties–– difficulties overcome.
Now, after decades of living, not only have the financial struggles normal in life come again to challenge me; aging has posed new challenges.
Were not the latter days of Job greater than his former? (Job 42:10). Is this not a thing a man after God’s heart should expect as well?
With the reminder of Jesus enduring His cross and of His call to me to take up my cross and follow Him I must take thought not only of the ugliness of struggle, and the fact of spiritual battle; but of the victory over it. (Hebrews 12:2)
“In this life you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer” (in it, during it, and over it), “for I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)
My life, and yours, is in the process of becoming “A story of a great Christian.” The certainty of success is the Guarantor, Jesus Christ, the Savior of any who will ever be saved. His was the victory: for me, and the necessary encouragement for the fact of the battle.
When I as a young Christian wept over the heroism of ‘Great Christians,’ even resolving to live like them, I had not yet learned “From whence my strength cometh” (Psalm 121:1).
Now, a half century later, having toughed it out most of my life, and much in my own strength, I realize that it is not the idea of courage which strengthens me – though it still does, it is that “In my weakness is His strength made known” (2 Corinthians 12:9).
We’re not home yet, but Christ through the Holy Spirit has already taken residence in me. It is His strength, “Him,” in me. We were “bought with a price, the temple of the Holy Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) Think of it. Bought, paid for, occupied, and not home yet.
Here, on earth I am an Ambassador of Jesus Christ, light on a hill, salt in the earth. Yet, only through Christ am I able. I could fail. He can not. (Matthew 5: 13-16). (2 Corinthians 5:20).
So, today, I will take up my cross, not grudgingly or reluctantly but “with the faith of the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).
We’re not there yet; but already Christ has made my heart His home. Glory! Such Love, such wondrous love – that is my message – every day.
Buddy