"The Ultimate Victory"

"But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!" (1 Corinthians 15:57). "In all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us" (Romans 8:37).

As I prepare these encouragements each weekday morning I seek to prepare messages that will touch and "connect" to readers all around the world. And that's quite a challenge! I hesitate to use illustrations that may not be familiar or of any interest to many readers. But today allow me to express my interest in sports, both as a participant in my younger days and now primarily as a spectator. I particularly appeal to baseball, but what I write would apply to most any sport and certainly applies to this great spiritual contest we are all in as well.

One of the great sports scenes I've enjoyed since my childhood is when a team gathers on the field and celebrates after winning a championship game. Of course it's all the more meaningful if it's "my" team but I can even get into the emotion if it's not. Last night the Houston Astros won the National League Championship for the first time ever and even though I am not a fan of the Astros I could still rejoice in their victory.

Whether we are a sports fan or not we have a celebration coming that will make any earthly celebration absolutely pale in comparison. In personally reflecting on the work of Christ on our behalf we can even have an inward celebration now.

Consider the scene in regard to our reunion in heaven; when we see the Lord, our loved ones, and when we gather with believers from every region of the globe and every generation. I expect that to be quite an emotional time.

I just can't imagine seeing my Dad, who died in 1998, and merely shaking his hand and saying, "Well, it's nice to see you again Dad."  Although my Dad was not an especially demonstrative person I don't think he'll greet me by saying, "Oh, hello Stephen, it's good to see you as well." No, I think my Dad and I will have quite a time of ecstatic rejoicing. I think it will look similar to the celebration on a field following an athletic victory.  But among the major differences is that our spiritual victory is not just for one season but for all eternity!

The two daily verses compliment each other. Both have a similar underlying Greek word that is very familiar to those who enjoy sports. That word is nikoV (nikos). The popular sports shoe company, Nike, is based on this word.

In the first daily text the word is simply translated victory. In the second verse it's a part of the wonderful Greek compound word upernikwmen (hupernikomen) and means "to be more than a conqueror, to gain a surpassing victory."

I am sure glad to be on God's team today. Yes, there are setbacks and apparent losses in this great spiritual contest. Some of you reading this today are in the midst of such a situation. You may be discouraged, overwhelmed, you may even feel defeated. But God's Word says, "He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" and "in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us."  Let this truth bless you today as you consider our ultimate victory!


Be encouraged today,


Stephen C. Weber

Brooksyne's Prayer - Jesus, none of the celebrations we've attended compare with the overwhelming joy we'll feel at the ultimate victory party in heaven.  We'll rejoice with the saints from all generations telling of the marvelous saving and sustaining power of Christ. We look forward to sharing stories about the times we faced trouble, hardship, persecution or danger and the special way that You ministered to us through those difficulties.  We'll celebrate the overwhelming victory You gave us over all the difficult circumstances of our lives. We're not there yet, so help us to keep on keeping on, until that glorious day!  In Your name, I pray, Amen.