Winning From Within
A light touch, a stronger power, a picture of Jesus carrying what I cannot.
A simple shift of trust, not trying to be like Him, but letting Jesus be Himself in you.
Devotional Credit: Victory in Christ by Charles G. Trumbull, Chapter 2
Photo Credit: Unsplash
There is only one life that truly wins, the life of Jesus lived in us. Charles G. Trumbull tells it like a friend across the table, not with lofty theory, but with a witness that warms the heart. He admits the swings we know too well, up for a time after a stirring message, then back down when old patterns pull. His turning point was not a new method. It was a new seeing of an old promise. Jesus does not only stand beside us. He lives within us as our very life.
Trumbull’s testimony clears the fog. The goal is not to become Christlike by effort. The gift is Christ as life by faith. He found steadier fellowship, real freedom from the sins that used to win, and fruit in service that surprised him. Not perfection, but a new kind of normal, where restoration after failure is close at hand because Jesus is present and active within.
He reduces the doorway to two words, surrender and faith. Lay the keys of every room at Jesus’ feet. Believe that the Father has already set you free in His Son. That is not cold theory. It is a Person. The resources of the Christian life are Jesus Himself. When He is trusted as life, the strain shifts. We stop asking for power as if He were far off, and we begin resting in the One who indwells us right now.
This is the kind of message worth sharing. Thank you, Mr. Trumbull, for pointing past our plans to the living Lord. What a relief to say with Paul, to me to live is Christ, and mean it in the most practical way today.
Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
I draw you to My Son. You are crucified with Christ, and now you live by faith in the Son of God. Present yourself to Me as one brought from death to life. Sin will not rule over you, for you are under grace. The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus sets you free from the law of sin and death.
I work in you to will and to act for My good pleasure. Abide in Jesus, and you will bear much fruit. Walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desires of the flesh. Put on the Lord Jesus. Make no room for the old ways. Set your mind on things above where Christ is seated. Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.
I complete what I begin. My grace is sufficient for you. I am able to make all grace abound to you, so that you have all you need for every good work. The God of peace equips you with everything good for doing My will. Faithful is the One who calls you. I will surely do it. Give thanks always, for I lead you in triumph in Christ.
Scripture references: Galatians 2:20, Romans 6:11 to 14, Romans 8:1 to 4, Philippians 2:13, John 15:4 to 5, Galatians 5:16 to 25, Romans 13:14, Colossians 3:1 to 4, Ephesians 6:10, Philippians 1:6, 2 Corinthians 12:9, 2 Corinthians 9:8, Hebrews 13:20 to 21, 1 Thessalonians 5:23 to 24, 2 Corinthians 2:14, John 7:38 to 39, Ephesians 3:16 to 19, Philippians 1:21, 2 Peter 1:3 to 4, Romans 5:17, 1 Corinthians 15:57.
Real-Life Analogy
Think about turning a steering wheel in a tight parking spot. With power steering, your small turn moves the whole car with ease. The system carries the load you cannot supply on your own. Life in Jesus works like that. You still turn the wheel, you still choose, but another power within moves what your effort never could.
Try this today. When that familiar pull shows up, pause and say, Lord, I trust You to be the wisdom and power in me for this next choice. Then take the simple step as He guides you as to what fits His life within you, delete the sharp reply, close the tab, speak the gentle word, or walk away with the peace only He gives.
Prayer of Confidence
Father, thank You that Jesus is my life. Thank You that in Him I am forgiven and brought under grace, and that the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus sets me free. I place the keys of my whole heart in Your hands. I agree with You about surrender and faith. Lord, I trust You to express Your life in my thoughts, my words, and my choices today. I rejoice that You complete what You begin, and that Your grace is enough in this very moment.