Victory in Jesus

There is a new book out called "Grow a Pair." Crass, I know. The whole premise of the book is to shake off the victim mentality and grow up. Take responsibility for your actions, your future and your life. Stop whining and start making something happen.
Well, alrighty then! I didn't know it was all so cut and dry. Just suck it up? Gees, why didn't you tell me sooner?
But the truth is it isn't that simple. Making it through life with confidence isn't as easy as saying the words. I am all for not being a victim, don't get me wrong. Playing the role of a victim isn't flattering. It doesn't look good on anyone. It doesn't wear well over the long haul. Yet, in all of our human gumption, we will fail to throw off the clock of victimhood if we are trying to do it on our own.
We have to claim victory. We have to be overcomes and there is only One sure-fire way to do that. There is only One person who can be triumphant in all circumstances.
Romans 8:37 says, "In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us."
It doesn't say, "you are more than a conquerer because you decided to stop whining." Or, "you are more than a conqueror because you grew a pair." (pardon my crassness, again). And it doesn't say, "you are more than a conqueror because you are one of the strong people." No, no and no! You aren't truly victorious in this life because of anything you have done. You can't earn your own victory. You can't win your battle on your own. You, without Christ, are not taking home the gold.
But, dear friend, there is hope for you. There is a path to victory. As the new self-help book says, there is a way to take back control of your life, business and sanity. The blueprint isn't found in any psychiatrist or mentors latest best seller. They might have some great tips on how to manage your finances or deal with your child's latest outburst but the best they can provide are mere bandage for a broken leg. They aren't truly fixing anything. They are simply covering it up at best. How long can you limp along on a fractured life? You might have a high pain tolerance - something I don't claim to have. Maybe you can go for a long time and even excel on crutches. But there is no true victory there.
The victory comes through salvation in Jesus Christ. He is the way, the truth and the life. The ONLY way. The ONLY truth. The only LIFE. All other avenues to success are fraudulent. They are dead ends and no outlet streets. They don't lead to a triumphant end.
Through faith in Jesus Christ your smallest stumbling blocks and your greatest obstacles are already overcome. They are trampled under the feet of your Conqueror. For us, our life circumstances might look like a challenge but to Him they are the beginning of a great success story. He doesn't see all the possible problems and difficulties that lie in our path. He sees the gold metal at the end of the finish line. He sees the honor and glory that will be to His name when He is proclaimed the winner.
You are not a victim. You are a victor. Not by anything that you have done or any wisdom you have attained. You can claim the victory because Jesus has come to win the gold for you. He laid down his life so that you could have one. He carries your burdens so that he can make them beautiful. He overcomes your difficulties so that He can show His majesty. Through faith in Jesus Christ you have been released from your chains of victimhood and released into the freedom of victory.