1 John 5:4-5

^“4 for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. ⁵ Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.”

I took this picture several years ago in my hometown. I have driven by this sign and cross for years. However, one day the Holy Spirit literally said, “STOP the car, pull over, and really take a look!” – so I did! Granted, the picture was snapped using a cellphone that one would consider to be outdated by today’s standards but please bare with the lack of editorial quality – because the message is still just as important and the same!

What do you see here? My heart raced as the Spirit of God spoke loud and clear – To the world, death is a dead end, but for those who believe in My Son, Jesus Christ, the cross is the way to life everlasting!

I was reminded of this picture while reading my Bible in 1 John chapter 5. I love the word “victory” used in this passage. Not only are we granted mercy, grace, forgiveness, and the gift (and I truly mean free gift) of salvation, but we must fully understand that the message behind the cross is complete victory! Victory not only over sin but death, fear, defeat, abuse, addiction…Praise God for complete victory.

You see, I can live without a lot of things in this life. I’m learning most, if not all, of the things in our lives that attempt to entertain us in an effort to increase our productivity and happiness in fact draw us away from our true purpose – sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ to the ends of the earth. So, I can live without watching t.v. for hours daily; I can live without driving the most expensive car; I can live without buying the newest electronic gadget. Yet, the one thing I cannot live without is the cross, and trust me when I say, You cannot either!

This passage brings me such peace, and I pray the same for you dear readers and friends. There is no guessing when it comes to the secret of overcoming this world. The answer lies within the cross – the very One who laid down His life to save you and me – Jesus.

If you see your life’s journey as a dead end, please seek answers within Jesus. There is absolutely NO dead end with Jesus. “Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.”

Question: Do you see your life’s journey on a dead end road? How do you overcome this world and receive victory?

Thankful,

Christian Armetta