THANKFUL FOR THE VICTORY (1)

“But THANKS be to GOD, who gives us the VICTORY through our Lord Jesus Christ” – 1 Corinthians 15:57

Believers in Christ are called to be THANKFUL for THE VICTORY received through our Lord Jesus Christ: “But THANKS be to GOD, who gives us the VICTORY through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Cor.15:57). This is saying, “Thanks be to God because of His Sacrifice”! When someone blesses us, it always comes with sacrifice on their part. To be truly thankful for the blessing someone has given us, we need to appreciate the sacrifices they made. Jesus’ entire life was a sacrifice, leaving His heavenly perfection to bear our flesh and walk the way of suffering. He paid for our lives with His own, and gave us New Life through His Resurrection!

We are called to manifest an Attitude of Gratitude at all times and in all situations; one that transcends occasionally thanking God for things. It’s about being thankful as a Lifestyle. We can cultivate and sustain such a heart by rehearsing the covenant promises we have received as God’s children. Then, as we step into worship, praise and thanksgiving, our eyes will be opened to the way out for every challenge faced. Prominent among God’s promises for which we must constantly give thanks is the Victory we have in Christ. Someone may say, “I don't feel like thanking God.” We must thank Him anyway. Our victory is not based upon feelings, but upon what our Lord has already done.

As we take God's promises, we can begin to thank Him that they belong to us and are working in our lives: "Lord, I thank You that all things are working together for my good because I love You and I am called according to Your purpose” (Rom.8:28). “Lord, I thank You for You have blessed me with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ Jesus” (Eph.1:3). “Lord, I thank You that You have made me the head and not the tail; and I am above only and not beneath” (Deut.28:13). “Lord, I thank You that goodness and mercy follow me all the days of my life, and that You are my Shepherd” (Psa.23: 1-6). “Lord, I thank You for redeeming me, for being my refuge and fortress, delivering me from the snare of the fowler, and covering me with Your feathers and wings of divine protection from all evil" (Psa.91: 1-4).

Faced with sickness, we can be thankful for a covenant with the Healing God, Jehovah Rapha. He bore our griefs, carried our sorrows, was wounded for our transgressions, bruised for our iniquities, and by His stripes we have been healed (Isa.53:4,5). Faced with apparent lack or need, thank God that we serve Jehovah Jireh, the Great Provider. He supplies all our need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Phi.4:19). Thanks be to God we are not bound by sin, and we are not defeated by death. Let’s declare: “Lord, I thank You for the Victory!”