“Have you got the victory?” my pastor asked again at church on Sunday, and I wondered about the phrase. He asks that sometimes with the beaming smile that lets you know that this is exactly the way a Christian is supposed to live. But what does it mean to walk in victory? Victory over who? And if there are winners, does it mean that there are losers too?
Victory simply means living a life characterized by fellowship with God. We are the winners when we defeat the things that hinder our relationship with God and focus our lives on diligently seeking Him. That’s no small task for sure, but the rewards are great: peace, joy, and a closeness with our creator that allows Him to hear us and us to hear Him.
I hope you enjoy this blog roundup of seven ways we can live the victorious Christian life. It is a collection of tips and articles by a variety of Christian bloggers who know what it means to win.
1. We walk in victory when we remove the impurity of sin.
“If iniquity were in your hand, and you put it far away and would not let wickedness dwell in your tents, then surely you could lift up your face without spot;
yes, you could be steadfast, and not fear.” Job 11:14-15
Melissa from Think About Such Things says, “God has called us to be the salt of the world. Natural salt has incredible abilities. It can stop and inhibit the growth of harmful mold and bacteria by absorbing moisture. It has been used for centuries as a means to preserve, cure, and save food. That little fact alone should make us realize that we are called to be people who inhibit the growth of sin and darkness in the world. That’s a lot more than just adding flavor.”
Check out Melissa’s article “Are You a Salty Christian” where she describes the characteristics of salt (and how we lose our saltiness) as applied to the Christian life.
2. We walk in victory when we meditate on God’s Word.
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Emily Darnell from Abide Deep says, “Meditating on some scripture passages, such as 2 Corinthians 13, helps us answer the question of whether we are abiding in His Word, as John 13-17 teaches us to do. Meditating on His Words will in turn help us find who we really are, understanding life as He intends us to live it.”
Check out Emily’s article “Know Thyself” in which she discusses the call to examine ourselves in light of scripture, not as a checklist to complete, but as a lifestyle of abiding in truth.
3. We walk in victory when we focus on God.
“…looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12-2
Rachael M Colby from Tattoo It On Your Heart says, “Stop focusing on your inability and focus on God’s ability – Christ in you.”
Check out Rachael’s article “God-fidence” in which she reminds us that our weaknesses are not too hard for God. He can turn our messes into miracles.
4. We walk in victory when we persevere through trials.
Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Galatians 6:9-10
Jeanette F. Chaplin from Chaplain-esque Thoughts says, “How do you keep going when everything is going wrong? Follow the example of Rachel. She overcame her father’s deception, her sister’s rivalry, and her husband’s indifference. She turned her attention to motherhood and raised a son who was known for his integrity, wisdom, and faith. Her legacy survives today in the Jewish nation, which was saved from famine because of Joseph’s rise to power in Egypt.”
Check out Jeanette’s article “Rachel: A Remarkable Life” in which she uses the story of Rachel to encourage us to keep going no matter what.
5. We walk in victory when we persevere in faith.
“And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.” Romans 5:3-5
Brook Ardoin from Fire and Freedom says, “In order to succeed, perseverance must remain the foundation of faith. It is only by persevering through every defeat that we ultimately triumph in victory.”
Check out Brook’s article “My Master,” a dramatic retelling of the woman with the issue of blood who had faith and determination to touch the hem of Jesus’ garment. (Have a tissue handy.)
6. We walk in victory when we submit to God.
“Submit to God and be at peace with him; in this way prosperity will come to you.” Job 22:21
Angela G from No Longer Lukewarm says, “Jesus was our example when He said, ‘Not my will, but Yours be done.’ We are to live in submission to God simply because God knows best. His ways are higher, and He is for us, not against us. But just because we submit to Him doesn’t mean we don’t get what we want. We can pray to ask Him to make our will His.”
Check out Angela’s article “’Make Thy Will My Will:’ A New Way to Pray” in which she uses a “God wink” story about a piece of coconut cake to show how God can guide us to want to do His will.
7. We walk in victory when we pray, pray, pray.
Pray Consistently
“…praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—” Ephesians 6:18
Tammy Dunlap from Grandma Mary Martha says, “Consistent and persevering prayer is the key to victorious Christian life. It is key to perspective, attitude, relationships, and more. Seeking our Father’s will and way, through prayer, is paramount in our Christian journey.”
Check out Tammy’s article “Answer Came After Years of Prayer, and This I Know” in which she gives some advice and encouragement about when and how to pray with consistence.
Pray Always
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Lois McKiernan from Where Truth Lives says, “Prayer is vital. Non-negotiable. No matter how busy, overwhelmed, or exhausted you are, you CAN pray every day. And it is of vital importance that you do.”
Check out Lois’ article “How to Have Time to Pray Every Day” in which she gives 5 super ways to make prayer a way of life.
Pray Believing
“Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” Philippians 4:6
Jeanora Elgin at Daily Renewed says, “Living victoriously isn’t about being free from attacks; we have a real enemy who will take advantage of every opportunity. Living victorious is more about how we handle those attacks when they do come. Ephesians 6:12 tells us we do not battle against flesh and that our battles are to be handled, dealt with, in the spiritual realm. We need to remember not to be hurtful with others when they hurt us; we need to take it to God and pray over each situation and individual, remembering our battle is best fought on our knees in prayer.”
Check out Jeanora’s article “Attacked – We’ve All Been There” to see how prayer allows God to fight our battles and comfort us in seasons of hurt and healing.
Living victoriously in Christ is about being in right relationship with Him. We remove the things that hurt our communication, and we are faithful to do the things that strengthen it. We set our hearts on Him as we run with endurance the race set before us, and HE is our prize.
All about that victorious Christian life? Try Beulah Land: A Place Just Outside of Heaven. Or, try Don’t Limit the God of the Hills and Valleys. Please sign up to receive my blog in your email in-box. You can find that at the upper right of your screen (or at the bottom on a phone). Also, check out my YouTube Channel where I read the blogs out loud. I also have a playlist of hymns from my church.
Am happy to know my battles belongs to God
To the one who scripted this be lifted high by mighty power…
Amen! Thanks for commenting. God bless you!
Great idea from the Lord.
Yes! To God be the glory! Thanks for your comment.