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JOYFUL VICTORY

Even though it is possible to find joy in all circumstances, some are guaranteed. I am talking about being on the winning side at a sports event – that is pure joy!

Nothing brings greater joy than winning. And in Jesus Christ, we have already won. "…overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us" (Romans 8:37, NLT). It is not a close call that can still change at the last minute, we have won! The same joy that we experience when we hear the whistle that announces our favorite team as the winner is available to us all the time.

Jesus Christ's act of salvation on the cross changed everything. The way God sees us turned to joy. Instead of punishment, He is now singing about us! "For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With His love, He will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs" (Zephaniah 3:17, NLT). Instead of death, we now have everlasting life.

While celebrating victory at a sports stadium brings great joy, it is short-lived. Next week there will be another game that needs winning. But our victory in Christ goes beyond death into eternity. "Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled: 'Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 15:54-57, NLT).

Do you believe that you are on the winning side?

Do you believe that death has lost to Jesus Christ?

Let us behave like winners every day. Let us start enjoying our everlasting joy today! "For the Lamb on the throne will be their Shepherd. He will lead them to springs of life-giving water. And God will wipe every tear from their eyes" (Revelation 7:17, NLT).