Victory
I know many of you are aware of songs that declare our victory in Christ. We sing it lustily and become very excited about walking in that victory. What is sad for many of us, is that we do not experience this victory in our daily lives and so prayer is monotonous and our efforts to reach God is an idea of someone else’s experience and not our own. How about praising with all your heart today, knowing that this is not just a wonderful song I sing, or the words on a page I read, but a reality in my life. Our first recognition and grounds for victory declaration, is that the Victor lives in me.
The word assures the believers of victory
John puts it simple, greater is the One (the Victor), who is in you than the one (defeated foe) who is in world (1 John 4:4b). In all these things, we are more than conquerors through Christ who loves us (Romans 8:37).
Thanks be to God who always causes us to triumph in Christ (2 Cor. 2:14). I can do all things, Paul declares, through Christ who gives me strength (Phil. 4:13). Take the time to educate yourself on the word of God, so when you pray, you know what the word says and you declare what God has already predestined to happen. The word of God is forever settled in heaven, it’s a done deal, sealed in blood. The knowledge of the word removes ignorance about what God wants. When you pray his word you pray his will, because He honors his word above His name.
Stop begging and start declaring
The Lord has spoken to me so emphatically one Sunday as I was worshiping in Church. The song was “Halleluiah You have won the victory”. He has already won the victory and when we pray, we need not beg Jesus to do, what he has already done. Our part is to start declaring His promises and blessings. What was evident to me, was that much of my prayer whether, I was praying for myself, family, other people, nations or other things; I was begging Jesus to do what He has already done, instead of declaring his promises and finished works over the situation. So it was clear to me, to stop “BEGGING and start DECLARING”. Much of our prayers could be filled with more thankfulness and declarations.
Now do not get confused with asking God to do something, this is different, although it seems like it is the same, there is a difference. Jesus said ask and it will be given, seek and you will find, knock and the door will be open (Matt. 7:7). Thus asking is requesting Him to do something on our or someone else’ behalf. I don’t mean to start a theological discussion on whether begging or asking God is right or wrong, but when you consider yourself, would you prefer someone begging you or simple asking you, and once it is in your power or reach, you will respond accordingly. The point behind begging is pleading with God hoping he hears and answers.
We must believe that, “Before we call, he answers; while we are still speaking he hears”, the answer is guaranteed before we even ask, because it is already there. We can approach God with confidence and therefore ask anything believing he hears us and if we know that he hears us, then we have the petitions we have prayed for (1 John 5:14-16). Jesus said, “When you pray believe that you receive it and it will be yours” (Mark 11:24).
Don’t assume that when you have cried long enough, or begged long enough, God is moved; he is moved by faith. This is evident in every miracle account of Jesus’ earthly ministry. Believing starts with knowing what the Bible says and consciously believing it.
Pointers to follow:
Consult the word like you would a professional for expert advice
Just as you would consult a lawyer for legal advice, a doctor for medical advice, an accountant for financial advice. It is important to consult God and His word for spiritual advice. It is vital not just to read the Bible but know the Bible. It is of paramount importance that we know the word and allow it to dwell richly in us with all wisdom. It is of great importance that we know what the Word says concerning the circumstance before we pray. If we don’t know what the word says about healing, deliverance, finances and other things, we would feel like we need to beg God, to answer our petition.
Be thankful and grateful
Take time out daily to tell Jesus how much you appreciate him. Tell Lord how amazing and awesome he is. Express your gratitude to him for his amazing grace and His abounding love toward you. Make his praise glorious, flowing out of your lips. Let your mornings be filled with praise and adoration to God, the One who sits on the throne. You can only but imagine how he longs for and takes pleasure in his creation. We are his workmanship, created in Christ to do good works (Eph. 2:10). He admires his creation, because we look like him. How beautiful it is when we express our love to him. Praise sounds like music in his ears. He is waiting on you. Tell him how good he is, he knows but he wants to hear it from you. The book of Psalms is a great place to start, it is filled with praises and adoration to God.
You have the keys to the kingdom – Full access has been granted to you
When you think about what Jesus did, absolutely nothing was left undone, victory is complete. Regardless of how impossible the situation seems, believe that Jesus Christ has already conquered ALL things and has made available the keys to the Kingdom. Full access is granted into the store rooms of heaven filled with all precious gifts, with your name on it, waiting to be claimed. The Father of lights has already determined and provided all things you need that pertains to life and godliness. All things have been made available by His sacrifice. Your access is assured by His Blood, His Name, His Word, His Spirit and By His love. No begging is needed!
Rest
Rest in the finished works of Jesus Christ. When you rest in Jesus, you are not relying on your self- effort or self – confidence, you are relying on God- confidence. When step out your doors, you do not know what awaits you, or what is likely to confront you each day. What you do know, is if you rely on Him, He is well able and capable of taking care of you. You are trusting Him to do the work through you. You can provide for yourself but He can do it so much better, without you having to toil tirelessly. You might be worried about many things in this area, especially, when economies are going through recessions, depressions and all sorts of economic conditions. That’s where you enter into rest, because you know God’s got you. You know when the economies fall apart, government becomes chaotic, companies fail and others fall apart, God is your provider and he will sustain you in the worst of times. God speaks about a rest for his people. When we rest, God works and when we work God rests. Therefore, it is imperative that we enter into God’s rest, which means we rest from all our work, just as God did from his work (Heb. 4:10).
Be encouraged to rest and walk in victory everyday.
Advancing the Kingdom of God in the earth!
Advancing the kingdom of God!