Beyond Happy: Discovering Joy In Unexpected PlacesSample

Finding Joy in God’s Victory 

How could he be dead?

Their master—the one they thought was the Messiah—had been crucified. He let himself be led away. Now all the disciples could do was hide, terrified by the thoughts of what could happen to them in this defeat. They didn’t remember the words Jesus had said only days ago. Victory felt impossible.

Most of us would say that great stories end with a “happily ever after”—the good guys win, and the bad guys lose. The guy gets the girl, and everything works out. That’s victory.

Or is it?

Bad things happen, sometimes without an explanation, and that leaves us wondering if our stories might just end with defeat instead of victory. All hope feels lost. Maybe the hero won’t win this one.

Even though Jesus had told the disciples the end of the story, in their moment of despair they couldn’t see the light beyond the darkness—the victory over death imminent on a bright Sunday morning.

Sometimes that happens to us as well. We already know about Jesus’ resurrection and yet we still forget that he guaranteed us the biggest win of all: victory over sin and death (1 Cor. 15:57-58). 

Joy in God’s victory starts by recognizing that missteps, trials and even death can’t end your story. Jesus’ victory is your victory. Not because of anything you’ve done but because He’s added your name to the roster of the winning team—God’s family. 

Are you ready to find joy in victory?

Things to Ponder: 

• What’s your favorite story (a book, movie, play, etc.), and what makes it your favorite?
• Write down times in your life when you’ve faced a crushing defeat. How did it impact your faith?
• Who do you know that needs victory in Jesus?