“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 15:56-57
Do you ever read something in the Bible and wonder why you don’t see it in your own life? I feel like that about the verses above some times. A lot of times actually.
If I have victory over sin then why do I still sin? Why do I still judge people? Why do I still entertain thoughts I know are not healthy for me? Why do I prioritize Netflix over time with the Lord? Why do I look at things I shouldn’t? And when I do those things, why do I isolate myself from other believers?
These are the questions I have. But I’m guessing I’m not alone with these questions. You have these, or similar questions I bet. Because we all screw up still. We all experience defeats in our lives.
But God’s word says we have victory over sin. So what gives?
It is often said that God has won the war on sin. And He has. But that doesn’t mean our part is finished.
I think one of the biggest lies the enemy wants us to believe is this: The war has been won so we can stop fighting the battles.
That because Jesus died and then defeated death, our part is finished. But our part is far from over. It’s just beginning really.
Following Jesus is the beginning of our journey, not the end. Following Jesus is not the destination, it’s stepping onto the path to go find the destination.
Following Jesus is not a story to tell, but to live.
You can tell the story later but right now you have to live it. I have to live it.
And no good story is devoid of struggle. Of heartbreak. Of failure.
But also triumph. Friendship. Laughter. Love.
God loves us. God loves our stories. He does not promise to keep us from struggle or defeat but He does promise that we can triumph over those things. That they will only ever be temporary setbacks, keeping us chained but momentarily.
What God promises is life. But here’s a truth about life: It’s hard.
Jesus has won the war, but let us continue to fight the battles.
Let us continue to follow Jesus on the road He is leading us down, wherever it may take us.
“It’s a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there’s no knowing where you might be swept off to.”
– J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings
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