Victory is sweet, isn’t it?  Whether you are playing a hard fought basketball game or dealing with a personal struggle, there is just something wonderful about being on the winning side of things. I suppose that all of us want to live in victory, but we must always remember that victorious living isn’t automatic.  It is a war.

It is no small matter to live in victory over our personal struggles and defeats.  A besetting sin is always a struggle to overcome.  So is a time of discouragement.  Victory literally involves a war.  The world, our flesh, and our sin nature are all working to keep us in defeat.  Even the devil himself is a roaring lion who is doing everything in his power to devour us (see 1 Peter 5:8).  Here are some essentials in winning the war.

Plan ahead for victory. 

 When you and I know of a particular weakness in our lives, we have to do everything in our power to learn how to handle that weakness.  We have to understand why it is a weakness and take steps to overcome that.  We have to understand when it is a weakness and take steps to prepare ahead of time. For instance, if you know that you tend to struggle with purity when you are tired or lonely, then plan ahead the steps you will take when you know that a time of weariness or loneliness lies ahead.  It may be as simple as getting extra rest or reaching our to a friend who can spend some extra time with you.  Planning ahead is essential to living in victory.

Build defenses and stockpile weapons.  

As believers, we can hide God’s word in our heart in order that we won’t sin against Him (Psalm 119:11).   We know that we can pray for the Spirit’s power in our lives and that we can learn to walk in the Spirit. As we walk in the Spirit, we are able to overcome the temptations and struggles unique to us (See Galatians 5:16).  You can read books that help you to prepare for victory.  For instance, read a variety of books about overcoming sexual temptations and porn. Read books that help you to win over discouragement and depression.  Listening to music that is filled with Biblical truths can also help you to have victory (Colossians 3:16).

Enlist other soldiers to help you in the battle.  

I have a friend who is making his way through the Conquer Series (an online program that teaches men how to overcome sexual temptations) with a group of other men. They are fellow soldiers in his journey. They talk and pray together and strengthen each other. James 5:15 tells us that we are to confess our faults one to another and pray one for another for healing.  Part of living in victory is allowing others to join you in the battle.  

The enemy is powerful and relentless. He never stops trying to discourage us and defeat us. If he can’t do it with porn, he will try to use depression or fear or anxiety. If those don’t work, he will use loneliness.  He is always on the prowl and always looking to attack.  Remember this though, we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us and who gave Himself for us (see Romans 8:37).  

Never forget that!  We are more than conquerors.  We really can have victory!

Thanks for reading,

Your sincere friend,

Dave Young