The Happy Victor

The title today seems a “no-brainer”.  Isn’t everyone happy when they win?  Unless they are in some kind of self esteem cult where they are sad for the looser, then, yes, they are.  But sometimes when we win we forget to be happy.  We remember the conflict and forget the joy or we failed to see there was a conflict and thus lose sight of the victory.  God speaks of this kind of situation in James chapter 1.  He says, “Blessed (happy) is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” 

We are daily tempted by the world, the flesh and the devil.  The assault is constant.  A hermit monk cannot escape temptation because it erupts from within our own sinful hearts.  It is everywhere both around us and in us.  Just because temptation is ubiquitous does not mean it has to be victorious.  The Bible often reminds us to overcome temptations so we know that temptation doesn’t have to prevail.

But, do we realize that every time we prevail over temptation that we should be happy at the victory?  Each time we win in this battle we are taking the next step to winning in the next battle.  There will always be a battle and there will always be a winner.  We should be happy when it is us.  But we must not forget that we are not the only members of the winning team.  First there is our Coach, Jesus, who taught us how to win.  Then there is our Owner, God, who put us on the winning team.  Then there is the Assist Man, the Holy Spirit, who is right there to help us make the victory.  There is also the crowd, the great cloud of witnesses, as the author of Hebrews calls them, who are cheering us on and delight in each victory we win.  In the happiness of our victory we cannot forget to recognize the work of all these who likewise enter into the happiness of our victory.

Temptations sore surround us, in this dark world of sin

The call of God compels us; “Rise up! The vict’ry win

You’re not alone in combat; I’m with you, at your side

O’er come with joy your trials, and e’er with Me abide”

The call with joy we answer, “Here, Lord, I take my stand

And with the crowds in glory, I’ll rest in Beulah Land.” 

 

 

Visit my website at www.davidccraig.net for inspiring Christian books.  Coming this month is my newest book Taking Care of Joe.  This is the story of a caregiver for an Alzheimer’s patient.  See how God adds His grace in the face of this horrible disease and how living a life of love is living a life NOT interrupted.  You may also find some of my selected daily devotions at FEBC.org.  FEBC is a vital missionary outreach to many countries that are closed to traditional missionary work.