And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war. His eyes are a flame of fire, and on His head are many diadems; and He has a name written on Him which no one knows except Himself. He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on white horses. From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty.

And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written:

“KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”

(Revelation 16:11-16 – NASB)

I remember reading this passage not long ago while doing a deeper study on the book of Revelation. As I read it, my eyes were filled with tears.

I imagined the scene:

All the Lord’s enemies, those who mocked His Holy Name, denied Him, lived wicked lives and disregarded His teachings… each one of of them – defeated. Annihilated. Gone.

And we, His Saints, who were also mocked because of Him, persecuted and ridiculed for believing in the Word of His testimony. We, sinners saved by grace, who fought our battles and crossed many valleys during our existence in this fallen world… we are invited to witness the overwhelming victory.

There will be no fight, for He has already fought the enemy and conquered hell and death as He breathed His last, resurrecting on the third day.

Nothing will we have to do.

“From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations (…)” (v.15)

And just like that – It’s a done deal. The Word will defeat them all, once and for all.

And We.Will.Witness.It.All.

He didn’t have to invite us, you know? He could have chosen to leave us in Heaven, rejoicing in the glory of the Father. But no – He wants us to join Him. Not to fight – but to witness Jesus, the Lamb, defeat all the armies of the world… as the Lion of Judah.

I don’t know about you – but that makes me want to shout for joy.

Not only because of what it means for our future and eternity, but also for what it means for us right now, as we face the battles on this side of eternity.

Unquestionable, Undeniable, Overwhelming Victory… IN THIS LIFE.

Yes – no doubt that victory marks the end of the battles on this earth as described in Revelation. But Scriptures do not confine our victory to the future.

[bctt tweet=”Can we stop for a minute to remember that this victory – our victory – is not reserved for future events only? Can we pause for a moment to remind our hearts, that we ARE victorious, regardless of what we are going through right now?” username=”PatHolbrook”]

I know, I know – many of us don’t feel quite “victorious” right now.

But, Hey! God is not asking how you “feel.”

Today He wants to remind you of what you must KNOW.

And this is what Paul told the Romans, and invites us to remember today. It’s the Truth that every Christian should grasp deep within, every time his or her heart threatens to yield to a sense of defeat or restlessness:

“Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? (…) No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.” Romans 8: 35,37 (NLT – emphasis mine)

Yes, dear friend. Every battle has a Victor. Every War has a Conqueror.

Alexander fought the Macedonians in the Battle of the Hudaspes, and they became his subjects.

Napoleon fought the Russian and Austrian armies in the battle of Austerlitz, and his victory enlarged France’s territory.

The Allied forces defeated the Nazzi evil machine, ending history’s most dreadful war.

In every single battle or war, even if the Victor has countless casualties, nevertheless – HE WINS.

You may be going through a fierce battle right now.

It could be your marriage that seems to have become a playground for the enemy…

It could be your children, who are making all the wrong choices, leaving you heartbroken and feeling helpless…

Or it could be your finances that steal your peace.

There is no question that every battle we face brings along casualties…

Alexander lost over 1,000 men in his greatest battle.  Napoleon lost around 9,000 in his. The Allied Forces lost over 209,000 during WWII.

And yet… They won!

For us, our “casualties” may be different. They may be dreams that die… endeavors that fail… or relationships that come to an end. And yes, we can certainly (and have every right to) feel defeated for a moment.

Or for a while, even.

But today, that same Savior who will ride on the clouds one day… the same Jesus who will bring you along to witness His victory over every evil thing that has even been … the Lion of Judah… the Conqueror of all human wars and fears… the One who promises to wipe away every single tear that now falls… Your JESUS… He invites you to believe that you’ll have victory over your current circumstance.

Not because you are able to overcome it… but because He already has.

Not because you are strong enough to take it… but because He is.

Lift your head, child of the Most High! Your Defender is on the move! Call upon His Name – the Name above all names – and tell your heart to trust and believe!

“No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love.

Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.

No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Romans 8:37-39 (NLT)

[bctt tweet=”Facing a fierce battle today? Lift your head, child of the Most High! Your Defender is on the move! Call upon His Name – the Name above all names – and tell your heart to trust and believe!” username=”PatHolbrook”]