I’m not big on having a word or a verse for the year. I never pray for one or decide on one and would even go so far to say that I thought they were silly, but last year God gave me one. That word was Victory. Little did I, nor anyone, know what 2020 would hold and it certainly didn’t look like victory.
Many have lost loved ones. Many have lost jobs and income. Many have lost businesses. Many have lost health. Many have lost peace of mind. Many have lost fellowship. For me personally, I lost my job and would be without work for nearly 9 months, my kids had to learn in a new virtual way, I lost the fellowship of church and my small group class in person. I had to cancel our spring break vacation plans and my normal freedoms to go to stores, church and even to see family became a concern that we could catch or spread Covid-19. What a crazy year!!!
So why Victory? The dictionary definition of victory is, “the overcoming of an enemy or antagonist” or “achievement of mastery or success in a struggle or endeavor against odds or difficulties.” (https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/victory).
When I consider the second definition “success in a struggle,” I think “we did it.” Success doesn’t always mean money or career, but we made it! Despite the craziness of this year, we made it. I went 9 months without work, but we had food. I got to the very last week of my available unemployment, but then I got a job that fit perfectly with the needs of my family and gives me an opportunity to minister to people using my office skills and creative gifts. I learned I’m not cut out for homeschooling my kids, but there are teachers who are helping my kids as best as they can virtually and we have a way to connect online. Visiting with family looks different, but cell phones, zoom and FaceTime exist. And I can’t fail to mention that my husband got baptized this year! That’s definitely a victory!!!
I know not everyone’s year looked like mine. We’re all in the same world, but we all have different situations. You may have trouble seeing victory. For me, that’s when faith comes in, 1 John 5:4-5 says, “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world - our faith. Who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.” If we believe in Jesus there is always victory. In the midst of sorrow and grief we know that Jesus has victoriously overcome the grave. In the midst of uncertainty we know that Jesus gives us hope. In the midst of adversity we know that God is our strength. There is always hope, there is always love and there is always victory when we look to Jesus.
So for 2021 let’s look for little victories and find hope, love and victory in Jesus Christ.
Be a Blessing! ❤️