| TRIUMPHANT .... FOREVER ! |
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Triumph is a precious thing. We honor the triumphant. The gallant soldier sitting astide his steed. The determined explorer, returning from his discovery. The winning athlete holding aloft the triumphant trophy of victory. Yes, we love triumph.
Triumph brings with it a swell of purpose and meaning. When I am triumphant, I am worthy. When I am triumphant, I count. When I am triumphant, I am significant.
Triumph is fleeting, though. Hardly does one taste victory before it is gone. Achieved, yet now history. No one remains champion forever. Time for yet another conquest, another victory. Perhaps this is the absurdity of Paul's claim:" But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphant procession" (2 Cor. 2:14).
The triumph of Christ is not temporary, "Triumphant in Christ" is not an event or an occasion. It is not fleeting. To be triumphant in Christ is a LIFESTYLE ... a state of being ! To triumph in Christ is not something we do, it is something we are.
Here is the big difference between victory in Christ and victory in the world: A victor in the world rejoices over something he did - swimming the English Channel, climbing Everest, making a million. But the believer rejoices over who he is - A CHILD OF GOD, a forgiven sinner, an heir of eternity. As the hymn goes,"... heir of salvation, purchase of God, born of his spirit, washed in his blood."
Nothing can separate us from our triumph in Christ. Nothing! Our triumph is based not upon our feelings but upon God's gift. Our triumph is based not upon our perfection but upon God's forgiveness. How precious is this triumph! For even though we are pressed on every side, the victory is still ours. NOTHING can alter the loyalty of God.
Joan of Arc said, "It is better to be alone with God. His friendship will not fail me, nor his counsel, nor his love. In his strength I will dare and dare and dare until I die".
"Triumphant in Christ." IT IS NOT SOMETHING WE DO. IT IS SOMETHING WE ARE.
Max Lucado - On the Anvil |
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