DAY 5: WALKING IN VICTORY

Colossians 3:15: “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts…” (ESV)

1 Corinthians 15:57: “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (NIV)

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts…” Do you notice the tone of this passage? It does contain commitment and decision, but it is also permissive. What does it mean to let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts? Is it possible that we may not be permitted to have the peace of Christ in our lives? This can happen without realizing it and is many times seen as a lack of patience; a lack of surrendering our logic, or both. When we don’t trust, we don’t permit it. When we don’t surrender, we don’t permit it. And when we add the “yeah…but” statements such as “yeah, I trust God, but…” we don’t permit. Embrace this challenge: allow the peace of Christ to rule your heart. What is keeping His peace from entering your heart? He is knocking. You just possibly need to let Him in. Until you allow the peace of Christ to rule your heart, the anxiety of the world will always be a threat.

“...But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” As you overcome financial anxiety in your life, this passage encourages us with a few key insights.

First, God gets the praise. A new job, medical breakthrough, income source, etc. should never be the subject of your praise; that belongs to God alone.

Secondly, victory is assured. The scripture doesn’t say “Who gives us a chance at victory;” No, it is assured. He gave us the victory. Victory over financial anxiety in your life is possible once you surrender, trust, and are a good steward.

Third, the victory is through Jesus Christ alone. The ultimate victory is over sin and death because of Jesus Christ who came to this earth, lived, died, and rose again on our behalf.

How amazing it is that the same Jesus who overcame sin and death also brought the fish to the nets. The same Jesus trusts us to be stewards so that we can experience His provision and generosity. The same Jesus offers a supernatural peace that cannot even be described in words. The same Jesus who deeply cares and knows about your financial anxiety is ready to meet you as you are so that you can experience the transformational power of his loving promises and provision.

Take time to pray the following:

Dear Lord, thank You for filling my heart with your peace so that I may never need to worry. Thank You for the victory over financial anxiety that is possible through You. May I choose to walk in the victory You give, and may I continue to surrender, trust, and worship You every step of the way. Use my life to be a testimony to others. Do what only You can do. In the name of Jesus, I pray, amen.

This devotional is provided by Christian Community Credit Union, America’s #1 Biblical Banking Institution. We invite you to bank with your values and learn more about our free offerings on Financial Stewardship at www.mycccu.com.