By Pastor Lazarus Muoka

Text: 1 Corinthians 15:57 (KJV): “But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Hurray! God has given us victory! This is not merely a statement of excitement; it is a declaration of faith, a testimony of God’s power and an acknowledgment of His faithfulness. Throughout the history of God’s people, victory has always been the portion of those who trust in Him. Our God is not a God of defeat, failure or disappointment. He is the Almighty God who fights battles, breaks the power of the enemy and causes His children to triumph.

The Apostle Paul, after speaking extensively about the victory over sin, death and the grave, burst forth in thanksgiving and declared: “But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” This victory is not earned by human wisdom, strength or ability. It is a gift from God, purchased through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and manifested through faith in Him.

From the beginning of Scripture, we see God revealing Himself as the God of victory. When the children of Israel stood helpless before the Red Sea with Pharaoh’s army pursuing them, there seemed to be no hope. Yet, God intervened with His mighty hand. Exodus 14:13-14 (KJV) says: “And Moses said unto the people, fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you to day… The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.” God opened the sea, destroyed their enemies, and gave His people a victory that became a testimony throughout generations.

The same God who gave victory at the Red Sea is still the God we serve today. He has not changed. He remains the Almighty God who specialises in doing the impossible. Whatever battle His children face, He is able to give them complete victory. Whether the enemy is sickness, fear, oppression, temptation, affliction, poverty, persecution or spiritual warfare, God remains greater than every enemy.

One of the greatest examples of divine victory in the Bible is found in the life of David. As a young shepherd boy, David stood before the giant Goliath when the entire army of Israel trembled in fear. Humanly speaking, David had no chance of success. Yet, David understood an important truth: victory belongs to the Lord. In 1 Samuel 17:47 (KJV), David declared: “And all this assembly shall know that the Lord saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give you into our hands.” David’s confidence was not in his sling or his stones, but in the power of God. Because God fought for him, the giant fell.

This same principle applies to every believer today. Our victories are not the result of our own intelligence, strength, wealth or connections. They come from the Lord. Psalm 44:3 (KJV) says: “For they got not the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them: but thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy countenance, because thou hadst a favour unto them.” Every victory we enjoy is evidence of God’s favour and mercy.

As we celebrate God’s victory, we must first recognise that the greatest victory of all is victory over sin. Sin is mankind’s greatest enemy because it separates man from God and leads to eternal destruction. No human effort can conquer sin. No amount of religion, morality or good works can remove its power. But Jesus Christ came into the world to destroy the works of the devil and to deliver humanity from the bondage of sin.

Through His death on the cross and His resurrection from the grave, He secured eternal victory for all who believe in Him.

Colossians 2:14-15 (KJV) says: “Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; and having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.” At Calvary, Satan suffered his greatest defeat. Jesus conquered sin, death, hell and every power of darkness. Therefore, every child of God can rejoice and declare, “Hurray! God has given us victory!”

This victory also extends to our daily battles. The Christian life is not free from challenges. In fact, believers often face fierce opposition from the world, the flesh and the devil. Yet, God has promised that we are not fighting for victory, but from victory. Romans 8:37 (KJV) declares: “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.” Notice that the Scripture does not merely call us conquerors; it says we are more than conquerors. Through Christ, believers possess overwhelming victory.

There are times when the enemy may appear to be winning. There are moments when prayers seem unanswered and circumstances appear impossible. However, God’s delays are not God’s denials. The God who delivered Daniel from the lions’ den, the three Hebrew boys from the fiery furnace and Peter from prison is still able to deliver His people today. Psalm 34:17 (KJV) says: “The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.” Our confidence must never be in our circumstances, but in the character and faithfulness of God.

Victory should always produce gratitude. Sadly, many people remember God during the battle, but forget Him after the victory. This ought not to be so among God’s children. Psalm 118:24 (KJV) says: “This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” Every victory should lead us to praise God with all our hearts. Thanksgiving acknowledges that God alone deserves the glory.

Victory should also strengthen our faith. Every testimony of God’s faithfulness becomes a weapon against future fear and doubt. David faced Goliath with confidence because he remembered how God had delivered him from the lion and the bear. Likewise, every victory we receive should remind us that if God has done it before, He can still do it again. Hebrews 13:8 (KJV) says: “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.”

Further, victory brings responsibility. God does not give us victory so that we can become proud or careless. Instead, victory should inspire us to greater holiness, greater prayer, greater commitment, and greater service to God. After every victory, believers must remain watchful and humble. Proverbs 16:18 (KJV) warns us: “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” The safest place after victory is at the feet of Jesus, giving Him all the praise and remaining dependent upon Him.

Our victories should also become testimonies that lead others to Christ. The world needs to know that our God is alive, powerful, and faithful. When God delivers us, heals us, provides for us or fights our battles, we should boldly testify of His goodness. Psalm 107:2 (KJV) says: “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy.” Every testimony glorifies God and encourages others to trust Him.

Yet, there is a final and eternal victory awaiting every true believer. One day, the last enemy, which is death, shall be destroyed forever. Revelation 21:4 (KJV) gives us this blessed hope: “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” What a glorious victory that will be! There will be no more battles, no more temptations, no more afflictions and no more enemies forever.

However, this victory belongs only to those who have surrendered their lives to Jesus Christ. If you have not repented of your sins and accepted Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, the greatest victory remains beyond your reach. Today, Christ invites you to come to Him. He has already won the battle at Calvary. He offers forgiveness, peace, salvation and eternal life to all who believe.

Beloved, as we reflect on God’s faithfulness and celebrate His mighty acts among us, let our hearts overflow with joy and gratitude. Let us lift our voices and declare with confidence: Hurray! God has given us victory! He has defeated our enemies. He has answered our prayers. He has preserved our lives. He has established our feet. He has given us triumph through our Lord Jesus Christ.