He Gives Us the Victory!

Some days ago, I was fighting against an unwelcome thought that over and over tried to occupy my mind. The Bible tells us to ‘take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ’ (2 Corinthians 10:5). Obviously, it is possible to resist an unwelcome thought, but it sometimes includes a fight to keep our mind pure – filled with thoughts that are pleasing to God, thoughts that are building us up (Philippians 4:8).

When going to bed, I felt it was impossible for me to actively resist the unwelcome thought and at the same time calm my mind in preparation for going to sleep. It felt as if I had two choices. I could fight the unwelcome thought and not be able to fall asleep, or I could stop fighting, try to calm my mind, and just let my mind to be occupied by the unwelcome thought.

I asked the Lord which option was the better. But, of course, He had a much better solution. He reminded me of something Paul said: ‘Thanks be to God! He gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ! (1 Corinthians 15:57).

I didn´t need to win the victory. Jesus did it for me two thousand years ago. I could let His victory become mine, let His victory be my duvet, find peace under His wings.

I woke up the next morning, realising that I had enjoyed a calm, peaceful sleep with no disturbing thoughts or dreams. Receiving Jesus´ victory was far more powerful than trying to be victorious in my own power.

This scripture can be applied to any area of temptation, sin, or worry. We resist the enemy by allowing Jesus’ victory to become our victory.