For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that overcomes the world, our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world but he who believes that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. 1 John 5:4
The Olympic games in Tokyo have been leading the news and entertainment spotlight for over a week now. It is fascinating to watch these athletes compete in their individual sport and do their best to push through to victory and a coveted medal.
As we’ve seen, the athletes themselves aren’t immune to the stress, problems, and trials that each of us experience on a daily basis. Simone Biles is suffering from mental and emotional issues, COVID-19 has dashed the hopes of some, and defeat has taken its toll on some of the hopeful. It’s not always ecstasy in this quest – it can sometimes be agony. It’s the same for us in this life of ours.
Victory is defined as an act of defeating an enemy or opponent in a battle, game or other competition. These Olympians, just like us, are working toward victory in whatever battle is facing them in this life.
It’s interesting to me that the three times we tend to give up on victory and settle for something less, usually happens when we are facing what I call the three T’s. Either, we are tempted to give up on our circumstances, we are tired of our battle, or we are troubled about something over which we have no control. When these situations or T’s pop up, we need to recall Paul’s words: We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. Romans 5:3-4
These words of Paul remind us that when we are at our lowest, it is time to turn to three words which offer inspiration: endurance, strength, and confident hope. If we put these words into action, we can begin to draw on the amazing benefits God provides us when we face problems and we can be assured that He will carry us on to victory.
First, God provides us with endurance. Endurance in life is a commitment to draw daily on His grace and keep moving forward regardless of circumstances. Secondly, He gives us strength to use that inner fortitude which is based on our own personal integrity. Finally, He gives us confident hope that whatever it takes to achieve victory, He will ultimately bestow on us. We are guaranteed success in our mission for God because His hope will never disappoint.
In the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Michael Phelps captured the gold for USA in swimming. As he touched the wall, winning the race, nobody knew what he had undergone to accomplish it. Michael pulled off his goggles and the world watched as water poured out of them. He had swum 200 meters of the butterfly almost blind. Counting strokes, looking for any marks on the pool floor for guidance, he finally touched the wall, a victor in every sense. Phelps used his frustration to increase his stamina and determination to win. He was tempted to give up, troubled and tired, but he persevered. He employed endurance, strength and confident hope. We have the ability to do the same.
The fact is we all savor victory. We desire it in our own lives, and in the things we pursue. The path to victory is one of sorrow and joy, suffering and healing comfort, tears and smiles, conflicts and triumphs with a dose of hardships, dangers, persecutions, misunderstandings, trouble and distress sprinkled into it. Yet, we are more than conquerors through Him, and Jesus would have us turn our trials into chariots of victory.