I love the word victory. ‘Cause who really loves defeat and struggle? I think everyone enjoys winning!
The dictionary defines victory among other things as the overcoming of an enemy, the achievement of mastery or success in a struggle or endeavor against odds or difficulties.
So the above are all descriptions of victory when the finished result is obtained. But I believe there is beauty in the battle as well. Beauty in celebrating every tiny victory where we choose faith over fear.
This was at least what I was reminded of this Wednesday night as we hosted 55 women working as street prostitutes in Night Light Café.
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In the café that night were women I have known for 2 1/2 years. Still stuck in the same circumstance as victims of human trafficking. Acts of deep injustice have been done against them.
Sadly, a common story for my friends is that someone has taken advantage of their poor and desperate situation in Nigeria and deceived them into prostitution.
Now, they are here in Copenhagen. Separated from their families. Exposed to rude customers. Exploited and violated. Basically, they are women with every reason to act like a victim.
But this Wednesday night I did not see victims. I saw victors – on their knees in spontaneous worship declaring that God is the one who goes with them to fight for them against their enemies to give them victory. (Deuteronomy 20,4 NIV)
Even though these women are still captive, they fight fearlessly for a thankful, hope filled heart in the midst of their hell on earth. They know struggle is part of the story. They keep believing in Jesus for breakthrough and deliverance. They know life is war and therefore they know the need for faith and prayer. They are overcomers because they are born of God and everyone born of God overcomes the world. (1 John 5,4 NIV)
They know their true enemies are not the men buying sex of them. It is not Istedgade, Copenhagen or Denmark. Their enemies are not the other women they compete for money with. Neither is it their poor home country. Their trafficker is not even the enemy.
Rather, they know the battle is spiritual.
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6,12 NIV)
This verse teaches me that people are not the problem nor are they the answer. God is. Therefore, the battles in life are primarily to be fought on my knees.
I might not feel like I can conquer the world on days where worry overtakes me or on days where it takes me three hours just to convince myself to shower!
But even for Jesus, there was no victory without a battle. The struggle is real….but so is God! We can rest IN the battle ’cause in the end, the battle is not ours, it is God’s. (2 Chron. 20,15 NIV)
Thankfully, the enemy does not have the final say. God has the final say. And He says, “I will cause you to triumph.” (2 Cor. 2,14)
Kristine DeMarco wrote the album “Mighty” for this beautiful reason:
“I wanted to write songs that were statements of faith that encouraged people to choose to be overcomers when the temptation to remain a victim can be overwhelming.”
This song is worth a listen![youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1kFEgMYJyZ0]
Some days there won’t be a song in our hearts. But we can sing anyway. A victory song.
We can keep on keeping’ on. Just like these warrior women showed me.
Us who dare to fight the good fight of faith, we win. ‘Cause Jesus’ perfect life, death and resurrection has set us up for victory!
So set out, pilgrim. We’ve got this!
“But thanks be to God, Who gives us the victory [making us conquerors] through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57 Amplified Bible)
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