Our greatest victories in life are always connected with the Lord. The Lord gives us victory; we are victorious only because the Lord goes before us What comes to your mind when you think of victory? You might think of a sports team that is victorious, a military conflict that ended with victory, or a personal victory. Victory is defined as an achievement of mastery or success in a struggle or endeavor against odds or difficulties. [1]
The first mention of God giving victory is recorded in Deut. 20:4. For the Lord your God is going with you! He will fight for you against your enemies, and he will give you victory!’ [2] What does this tell us about God? How does God go before us today?
The Lord Gave Gideon the Victory
Midian was oppressing the nation of Israel and Gideon was the military leader of Israel. The Midianite army consisted of thousands of trained fighting men. Gideon had started with an army of 22,000 but God had whittled that down to only 300 men. The Lord wanted Gideon to depend on Him, not his army, for victory over their enemy. Judges 7:9 That night the Lord said, “Get up! Go down into the Midianite camp, for I have given you victory over them![3]
Gideon stepped out in faith and trusted the Lord’s plan. Even though the Israelite army was vastly outnumbered, God gave them the victory. Judges 7: 22 When the 300 Israelites blew their rams’ horns, the Lord caused the warriors in the camp to fight against each other with their swords. Those who were not killed fled to places as far away as Beth-shittah near Zererah and to the border of Abel-meholah near Tabbath. [4] Gideon’s faith was rewarded with a victory by God.
The Lord Gives Us the Victory
We receive victory over sin, death, and the devil through the death and resurrection of Jesus. The Lord’s victory on the cross is also our victory! The Lord’s victory on the cross enables you to be called to faith and become a believer in Jesus. The victory is secure because of what Jesus did, not because of any effort we put forth. All who trust him as their Savior and confess their sins are assured of this victory and all the benefits it brings.
1 Corinthians 15: 56 For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. 57 But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. [5] We can humbly live in that victory.
Prayer
Lord, there is no way we can repay you or thank you enough for offering us the victory over sin and death. Help us to live graciously and lovingly in the confidence of your strength. In the power of your name, Amen [6]
To hear how the Lord gives us victory, listen here: https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/faith-makes-a-difference-gideon
[1] https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/victory
[2-5] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.
[6] https://todaydevotional.com/devotions/the-power-of-victory