The Life That Holds the Victory
The life of Jesus within us shines through the storms of this world, proving His victory again and again.
Devotional Credit: Open Windows by T. Austin-Sparks
Photo Credit: Unsplash
T. Austin-Sparks reminds us that when Paul declares Christ is our life, he is not speaking about something that needs to be improved or supplemented. Too often we imagine that our spiritual life is deficient and must be upgraded, as though Jesus Himself were not enough. But this life is not separate from Him, and He does not stand in need of improvement. The truth is simple yet transforming: Jesus is our life, and our role is to discover more fully what is already ours in Him.
This discovery is not theoretical. It is lived out in a world where death still exerts its influence. Though the cross has secured complete victory, we still walk in a realm where brokenness presses against us. It is here, in the midst of struggle and trial, that we learn by experience the sufficiency of the life of Jesus within us. This does not mean death can undo eternal life. Rather, it means the issue before us is whether His life will be expressed triumphantly in us, shining through the battle.
Sparks emphasizes that this is a process of yielding more of ourselves to the indwelling life, rather than trying to get more life for ourselves. As we do, we discover that the victory already secured in Jesus is made manifest in us day by day. The battle is real, yet the outcome is certain, because His life within us cannot be defeated.
This teaching encourages us to stop striving for something extra and instead rest in the truth of our union with Jesus. The journey is about recognizing that the eternal life given to us is complete, and that the challenges of this present world are opportunities to see His life manifested more clearly through us.
Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
My beloved, you do not need to seek for more life, for I have already given you My Son, and He is your life. In Him dwells all the fullness of God, and you are complete in Him. You may feel weak or inadequate, but the life of Jesus within you is not lacking. Your need is not to add to what you already have, but to yield yourself so that His life may flow more freely through you.
The battles you face in this world are not evidence that My life in you is insufficient. Rather, they are the proving ground where His victory becomes your experience. Death still works around you, but it cannot undo the eternal life that has been deposited in you. The cross stands as full victory, and resurrection power is yours even now.
When pressures rise and trials mount, remember that you are hidden with Christ in God. Nothing can sever that bond. Live from the truth that He is your life, and in due time His glory will be revealed in you. Trust Me in the battle, for I have already secured the outcome.
Scripture References: Colossians 3:3-4, Colossians 2:9-10, Galatians 2:20, Romans 6:4-11, John 11:25, 1 John 5:11-12, Philippians 1:21, Ephesians 2:5-6, Romans 8:11, John 10:28-29.
Real-Life Analogy
Think of a rechargeable battery placed inside a device. The power source is already there, yet until the device is switched on, the potential remains hidden. When the switch is flipped, what was present all along is released into action. In the same way, the life of Jesus is fully present in you. The question is not whether you need more life, but whether you will allow His life to be expressed through you.
Today, when I face resistance, I can quietly rest in the truth and say, “Lord, I trust You to live Your life through me in this situation.” In doing so, I yield the moment to Him and discover afresh that His life always triumphs.
Prayer of Confidence
Lord, I thank You that I do not need to strive for more life, for Jesus is my life. I rejoice that in Him I am already complete. Even when trials press in, I rest in the truth that His victory is mine. I trust You to express His life in me today, and I praise You that nothing in this world can diminish what You have placed within me.