The Victory.
If you're not a follower of Christ, what you're about to read may come across as weird. Strange. Different. Stupid. Annoying. Funny. Childish. Weak. As I lie in bed after my wonderful Monday afternoon nap, I listen to "The Victory" by Phil Wickham (my favorite worship song). This past weekend, I have faced more trial, tribulation, and temptation than normal. More hurt and pain than usual. At times, my faith felt tested and weak, like God had put me to the side, allowing me to deal with my difficulties on my own. What kind of God would do that? A selfish God. Not the God I joyfully serve. In Revelation 21, we clearly see where, through a vision, Jesus tells John "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. He who was seated on the throne said, 'I am making everything new!'" (Revelation 21:4-5a) This passage of Revelation gives me great joy and peace. It gives me great joy knowing it is God's great intent to take away all of His children's pain and agony that this world so gladly bestows upon us. It gives me great peace to know I am one of His own. That is God's Victory. God's Victory was beating death. God's victory was conquering the grave. God's victory was allowing us to be free to struggle, not struggle to be free. Hallelujah, I am free. So to those who don't believe my God is God, Hallelujah. You are free. To my Bio teacher, who is steadfast in her belief in evolution, Hallelujah. You are free. To the girl, sobbing in the locker room and asking me to take her to planned parenthood, Hallelujah. You are free. To those who are trapped in this sinful world, looking for a sinless out, Hallelujah. You are free. Because "if you confess with your mouth, 'JESUS is LORD' and believe in your heart that Jesus was raised from the dead, you will be saved." (Romans 10:9) The Victory. "Death has been beaten The grave has been conquered Jesus is risen Life ever after." -- Phil Wickham