Live Life On The Winning Side

August 8, 2003

            We are winning!  It may seem the enemy is gaining ground but everyday I see honest, hard

working people who love the Lord.  Despite all the bad news and controversy exploited by the

media, we are winning.  The enemy thrives on problems but he is no match for our God.

            Throughout the Bible, God’s people faced tremendous challenges.  In Ezra’s day, the appointed official demanded to know who gave Ezra and his people the authority for the construction project.  Ezra boldly declared:  “We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and we are rebuilding the temple that was built many years ago, one that a great king of Israel built and finished”  (Ezra 5:11 NIV).  Through Ezra’s trust in God’s love and power the temple was completed.  Ezra and his workers were a team of winners who realized a life of faith was not easy but they never wavered nor compromised.

            Elijah thought he was the only one left who loved God, but God reminded him there remained 7000 “whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and all whose mouths have not kissed him”  (1 Kings 19:18 NIV).

            Jeremiah preached the same message for many years, but he never gave up.  He knew that in times of opposition you keep moving and keep on keeping on.

            Why are we winning?  Those who oppose us oppose God and God always triumphs.  Jesus forever defeated the enemy on a hill called Calvary.  He settled destiny in the hearts of believers.  That makes us winners.  You may be only one person in the world, but you may also be the world to one person.  In the game of football you move the ball ten yards at a time.  A bricklayer lays one brick at a time.  A forest begins with one tree.  One candle eliminates the darkness.  One vote can change a nation.  One life can change the world and “world changers” are winners!  Winners “press toward the mark” despite obstacles, because we are “prize winners!”

            “Brothers and sisters, I know that I have not yet reached that goal, but there is one thing I always do.  Forgetting the past and straining toward what is ahead, I keep trying to reach the goal and get the prize for which God called me through Christ to the life above”  (Philippians 3:13-14 NCV).

            Winners face each trial with hope and faith in their hearts.  The purpose of life is a life of purpose.  Someone has said, “If you believe in something, no proof is necessary.  If you don’t, none is sufficient.”

            So stand strong in the power of God’s might.  Take an undaunted stand for righteousness.  The Greater One lives in you.  Go forth unafraid declaring you are on the winning side because winners look at the world through the eyes of faith, goodness and love.

             We will fight the good fight of faith and when the battle is over and our life’s work on earth is done, we will win the prize, wearing a crown of glory.

            I just love to win!  Don’t you?