Word for Wednesday
For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 1 John 5:4
As far as we know, John Henry Yates, a Baptist pastor in the New York area in the 1800s, wrote only one hymn, at least it’s the only one that survives. The stirring words of the hymn came into the hands of evangelist Dwight L. Moody’s famous singer Ira Sankey, who composed the music for it, and made the hymn one of the most popular during Moody’s campaigns. Others sang the hymn at Sankey’s funeral, to mark his final victory, the entry into the presence of his Lord. The last stanza of the hymn ‘Faith is the Victory’ was particularly appropriate for that funeral: ‘To him that overcomes the foe, white raiment shall be giv’n. Before the angels he shall know His name confessed in Heaven. Then onward from the hill of light, our hearts with love aflame, We’ll vanquish all the hosts of night, In Jesus’ conqu’ring Name.’ The words of the chorus are equally stirring: ‘Faith is the victory, Faith is the victory. Oh glorious victory, that overcomes the world.’ This hymn is based on today’s text and is great encouragement to the soul of every believer. Some have looked at this verse and suggested that it means that we can use faith to go into the world and transform it for God. But it does not mean that at all. The victory that faith enables over the world is within our own souls. In fact, faith itself is the victory.
The absence of victory in the life of a Christian is sad. Without the victory of faith, there is no fruit. And Jesus desires us to bear fruit: ‘Herein is My Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be My disciples’ (John 15:8). A Christian without the victory of faith will also have no power, no ability to avail themselves of the capabilities of having the Holy Spirit dwelling within. Likewise, such a life will be without a positive influence in the world in which God has placed us. That life will also be dominated by the flesh and at times be directed by the devil. Such a sad outcome is not necessary, because victory is ours in faith.
The promise of victory through faith is found in the Word of God. In fact, all of God’s promises are there, a vast treasure house of promises that we can access at any time. Because God’s great promises are backed by God’s infinite resources and God’s unfailing love, we may rest in confidence in God’s blessing. In addition to the great promises of God, the Scriptures contain the great examples of faith for us to follow. Read, and re-read the eleventh chapter of Hebrews to discover how weak and failing men and women – just like us – moved in faith to accomplish great exploits for God. The message from Faith’s Hall of Fame is that, if those folks could do it, so can we.
Victory that drives the world out of our lives and our hearts is ours for the taking. For by grace are ye saved through faith. -Jim MacIntosh