Day 21: Victory Through Our Lord Jesus Christ
Bible passage: 1 Corinthians 15:55–57; John 16:33; 1 John 5:1–5; Romans 8:31–37
The Last Day of the Fast
Today is Thursday 18th of April 2019. Welcome to Day 21, the final day of our 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting. Well done for seeking God through these three weeks.
Tonight is the night on which Jesus ate His last supper with His disciples. He knew exactly what was coming. That same night He told them that here on earth they would have many trials and sorrows. Then He said this. “But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NLT)
He spoke of His victory as already won, on the night before the cross.
The Victorious God
Victory over Sin and Death
Paul looks death in the face and taunts it. Where is its victory? Where is its sting? Sin is the sting that results in death. But thank God, he says, who gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:55–57).
The cross did not look like a victory. On Friday it will look like defeat. But there Jesus took the sting of death upon Himself, and on Sunday morning the tomb was empty. Our two greatest enemies have been beaten.
Victory Through Faith
John tells us how this victory becomes ours. Every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. Who can win this battle? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God (1 John 5:4–5).
We do not win by being strong. We win by trusting the One who has already won.
If God Is for Us
Paul gathers it all up in a series of questions. If God is for us, who can ever be against us? If He did not spare His own Son, will He not give us everything else? Who dares to accuse us? Who will condemn us? Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life, and He is at God’s right hand, pleading for us (Romans 8:31–34).
Then Paul lists the worst that life can do: trouble, calamity, persecution, hunger, danger and death. His answer is that despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us (Romans 8:35–37).
He does not say that we are spared these things. He says that we overcome in the middle of them.
Walking in Victory
Three Steps for Today
Praise Him. Thank God for the victory Jesus has won over sin and death.
Look back. Where has God been your victory during these 21 days, and across your life? Write it down, so that you will remember.
Look ahead. Name the battle you are facing as this fast ends. Tell God that you trust Him for it, in this world and for eternity.
After the Fast
Do not let this be the end of seeking God. Keep the daily time you have made. Come and worship with us this Easter as we remember the cross and celebrate the empty tomb. And remember the promise we began with. If you look for Him wholeheartedly, you will find Him (Jeremiah 29:13).
Prayer for Today:
Victorious God, thank You that Jesus has overcome the world. Thank You that sin and death are defeated, and that nothing can separate me from Your love. Thank You for all You have shown me about Yourself in these 21 days. I trust You for the battles ahead. Keep me seeking You with my whole heart, today and always. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Keep going
See every day of this guide on our Prayer & Fasting page.
Let us pray with you: send a prayer request.
Join one of our prayer meetings.
