My title is Victory vs Defeat.
We often hear in sports a phrase: “He/she/they snatched victory our of the jaws of defeat.” Usually when that is used, defeat seems imminent but some some “miraculous act” victory was the result. A football team is down by 2 touchdowns with 3 minutes left and comes back to win. A baseball team scores 6 runs in the bottom of the 9th to win. And the beat goes on.
I read today the story of David and Goliath in I Samuel 17. An old story that never gets old. Long story short: David snatched victory our the jaws of defeat with one small stone and, most importantly, God’s help. David acknowledged that when he said, “You (Goliath) come to me with a sword and a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord shall deliver you into my hand…the Lord saves not with sword and spear. For the battle is the Lord’s… (I Samuel 17:45-47) What looked like certain defeat became a moment of victory.
There is another moment like that. The cross. What seemed to be a moment of defeat became a defining victory. The jaws of defeat were emptied once more. What seemed to be the darkest moment in all of human history became the highlight reel for redemptive love.
“Father, thank you for the cross. Thank you for the victory it brought. Defeat, seemed imminent, palpable. But victory happened instead. Praise your great Name!”
Thank God for His great victory for us!
Amen and Amen!
Both victories required the submission of will. Both victories required giving of self. Both victories required relying on God to reach the goal.
I wonder at times, if perhaps I just haven’t submitted my will enough.
Well said ryan but you should have kept your meddling to yourself. 🙂
Because of what God has done, we can all claim the victory.
Blessings, Bill!
I’ll claim that victory for me.
Because of what God has done, we can all do that victory dance!
Blessings, Bill!
Good think he is the leader of that dance. Mine would be pitiful without Him.
“Snatching victory form the jaws of defeat” has a corollary — does it mean the other side snatches defeat from the jaws of victory? For Satan, that may summarize what happened with the crucifixion and the resurrection.
I don’t know if it snatches it but I’m sure the “afterglow” of the other sides victory is defeat.
HALLELUJAH!
Love the parallel. Miracles are never a surprise to the Grantor of them.