The war has been won.

I know.  It's been a long time since I've tended the blog.  Busy with life, job searching, not having internet at home, and amateur walrus riding.  Regarding the second, I've sent my name to a number of schools, and even got to speak with a few administrators.  Please prayer that God gives me patience in this, and that I get some interviews.
In the meantime, here's an old devo that's been waiting for the right moment.  Seems like the right one to me.

Romans 8:37

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

There are some verses that people really like to quote.  They end up on book marks, tee shirts, bumper stickers, posters, even as tattoos.  One of my favorites, my confirmation verse actually, is Philippians 4:13: “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”

Now, why didn’t I use that verse today?  Well, because I like this one too.  And it seems more appropriate.  Especially when paired with verse 38.  See, verse 38 is the more quoted one.  “For I am convinced that neither death nor life,” blah, blah, blah.  We’ve heard it a lot.  And it is great to be reminded that there is nothing on earth that can keep us from God.  Or more importantly, there is nothing that can keep God from us.

But we are not passive in this spiritual struggle.  “We are more than conquerors...”  Chapter 8 of Romans is all about hardships and struggles.  In some Bibles it is even titled “More Than Conquerors.”

A conqueror is someone who overcomes or takes over something.  But we are told that we are more than that.  Through “Him who loved us,” Christ, we are more than just able to overcome. Try to wrap your head around the idea for a moment.

God doesn’t just give us the strength to barely get by and “overcome.”  No, we are given the most powerful weapons in spiritual warfare, including faith, hope, and love.  When used correctly nothing can stand in our way.  Can we do “everything,” as Philippians suggests?  Yes, and more.  By serving God through serving our neighbor, by putting our faith in Christ only we can “do everything” that has been asked of us.

No matter how hard it looks, because Christ has already won the battle for us.

Savior,

Through Your death on the cross You conquered sin and death.  Your victory is our victory.  Grant us the strength to go out into the world and be victorious in all You have us do.

Amen