31 Days of Victory:{Day 6}What it's Not

“But He said to me,  ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 

2 Corinthians 12:9-11

Before we go any further on our journey of victory, I feel the need to do a little myth busting. Let's debunk some common lies.

HERE'S WHAT VICTORY IS NOT…

1. It is not "being perfect." 

Victory is to accept that God's grace covers your shortcomings. [Romans 3:23-24]

2. It is not "the absence of weakness." 

Victory is to accept that God's strength is made perfect in your weakness. [2 Corinthians 12"9-11]

3. It is not "having it all together." 

Victory is trusting in the One who does. [Colossians 1:17]

4. It is not "knowing it all." 

Victory is leaning not on our own understanding [Proverbs 3:5]. It is to understand that the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and then to lean on Him [1 Corinthians 1:25]. 

5. It is not, "never being tempted again." 

Even Jesus was tempted. Victory is fleeing in the face of temptation. [2 Timothy 2:22]

6. It is not, "never falling into temptation again." 

Victory is humbly submitting to God through genuine repentance when we fall--Because we will fall [James 3:2]. 

7. It is not "always making the right decisions no matter what." 

If you did, that would make you perfect, which takes us back to #1. Victory is learning from our foolish decisions and accepting God's grace--knowing that His love and His will is still going to prevail [Proverbs 8:8-9, Psalm 33:11]. 

8. It is not, "never feeling defeated again." 

Victory is choosing not to stay in the pit and trusting God to help you get out. [Psalm 40:2, Psalm 103:4]

9. It is not "being happy all the time" or "never being in a funky mood."

Victory is to understand that emotions are normal, including anger, fear, sadness and the like [see the book of Job]. Victory is to allow yourself to feel, then choose not to let your emotions control you [note: Holy Spirit help required].

10. It is not, "never having negative thoughts."

Victory is to understand that negative thoughts will come. It is to take them captive and make them obedient to Christ as they bombard you. [2 Corinthians 10:5]

11. It is not, "never facing trials."

Victory is to understand that we were destined for tribulation and to ask God to help you find joy and purpose in the midst of it all. [1 Thessalonians 3:2-3, James 1:2-4]

12. It is not "the absence of tears." 

Victory is to remember that even Jesus, in all of His strength and perfection, wept. [John 11:35]

13. It is not "the absence of fear." 

Victory is "believing in an unshakable God when everything in you trembles and quakes."- Beth Moore

To be victorious is to accept God's sufficient grace in the face of our inevitable weaknesses. 

TODAY'S CHALLENGE...

Let His grace wash over you like a cool, unexpected rain on a hot summer day; soaking you from head to toe! 

{P.S. What have you personally learned that victory is not? Have I left anything out? I'd love to learn from you! Feel free to add to the list or share your personal thoughts by commenting below.} 

Victoriously,

Monique Zackery

To visit the other 31 Days bloggers...

31 Days of Hope

31 Days of Freedom

31 Days of Purpose

31 Days of Wellness: Mind, Body & Spirit