“Now thanks be to God who always gives us the victory in Christ.” 2 Corinthians 2:14. Always victory! Such words cannot but set our hearts aflame! Always having Satan, our lusts, and the world under our feet! This is possible (Luke 10:19), and to this we are called. 1 Peter 2:21. This is God’s calling over our lives, to live a life of perfect victory. God’s word concerning a life of perfect victory has been proclaimed for centuries to mankind, but for the majority it still is only a light that shines in a dark place. The promises of the Word have not become life’s experiences. It is God’s will that we pay heed to the prophetic word until the day dawns and the morning star arises in our hearts. Christ must be our light, because we can only gain the victory “in Him.” The word of God can banish darkness and unbelief. God had already spoken to the first people about victory. “And if you do not have good in mind, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you shall rule over it.” Genesis 4:7. Cain did not listen to God speaking; he turned away in his heart and acted according to his desire. He could have received power to rule even over sin, but he chose not to. May we both hear and do according to the word which God still speaks, because He has not changed. In Romans 5:17 we read about the abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness whereby we will live and reign through Jesus Christ. God requires victory from us, and He also gives us power to that end. These tre­mendous powers that we need are an inherent part of faith, because our faith is the victory that has overcome the world. We have the victory and we are blessed, if we do not carry out the desires of the flesh but renounce all its enticements. If we endure in this way, we will receive the crown of life which God has promised to those who love Him. However, here lies the difficulty: It is the narrow way—but it is also the royal highway that leads to life. “And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!” Mark 13:37. This is the first condition for victory. Someone who watches and prays is al­ways victorious and avoids unnecessary temptations. When we do this, we will not be tempted beyond our ability to bear. Then God will also with the temptation make a way of escape, so we can bear it. It is not so difficult to forsake the things of this world if our mind is in God; but if our vision does not go beyond earthly things and we only have visible things in mind, it is not so easy when Satan and the lusts come storming in. However, if our mind is filled with things that are good in God’s eyes (1 Timothy 2:3), we are invincible; we are on guard, and the wicked one will not touch us. 1 John 5:18. Then we live with Christ, rule with Him over sin, and always gain the victory. God’s word always points out what is perfect, and the Spirit leads us in the same direction. To reach this goal we have to fight and struggle. All resistance of the flesh against the Spirit must be over­come. It is then—when we consider God’s perfect requirement for being righteous and good as He is—that we need to consider that God’s longsuffering is for our salvation, so we do not become weary in our soul. 2 Peter 3:14-16. We desperately need God’s longsuffering, especially when it comes to being cleansed from spots and wrinkles to be presented perfect before Him! The Lord is very compassionate and merciful (James 5:11), and He is longsuffering with people, because it is not His will that anyone should perish. All those who will may come and receive the water of life freely. He upholds all who fall. Psalm 145:14. He carefully follows along with everyone, “For He repays man according to his work, and makes man to find a reward according to his way.” Job 34:11. Un­faithfulness and avoiding responsibility receive their just judgment. God will never lessen His requirements once He has enlightened us concerning a life of victory. Moses was not allowed to enter the land because he hit the rock instead of speaking to it. “The Lord was also angry with me for your sakes, saying, ‘Even you shall not go in there.’” Deuteronomy 1:37. This is how exact God’s requirement is that we keep His commandments. Exodus 23:20-21. A single act of disobedience—even if ever so small—brings us eternal loss. God is infinitely good; He can perform marvelous things in sinful, but humble people. If you believe, you shall see God’s glory. He can make an overcomer out of you, strong in His mighty power, unshak­able as Mount Zion. Your sun will never more go down. Isaiah 60:20. Always victory!Trygve Sandvik