We Know the Ending!

By Michael Youssef, Ph.D. While witnessing one team take a lopsided lead in a sporting event, we sometimes keep watching because of the slight chance that the losing team could mount a comeback. More often than not, that team fails, but at least there is hope. When Jesus died on the cross and rose from the grave, He secured the victory for us. Jesus’ triumph over death also gave us the victory over death’s grip, both here on earth and in eternity. No longer do we have to be held in bondage to sin on earth. No longer do we have to pay the price of death for our sins on earth either. Jesus’ sacrifice covered it all. Life can be difficult. It can even feel gloomy and full of despair. Yet, just as Jesus’ sacrifice gives us new life, His last words before His death fill us with hope: “It is finished.” Like watching a movie for the second time where all the suspense is removed, so is living our lives here on earth if we are walking with the hope and assurance of salvation in Christ. We know the ending. God is victorious. Satan, sin, and death are defeated. Jesus’ death and resurrection give us eternal life, and His final words on the cross give us encouragement, spurring us to press on because God is the victor and we are His people. While the enemy may make a last-ditch effort to discourage you and to divert the plans God has for your life, he will not win. God loves you and when you place your faith and hope in Him, He will deliver you from all the wiles of the enemy. The victory has already been won! Prayer: Lord, reveal to me how I can walk more in the victory of Christ each day. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” (Psalm 20:7)