She was traveling the world sharing the good news of the love of God in Jesus. She was not bitter about her experiences, but grateful for all God had done for her. After she spoke I bought one of her books and she autographed it for me. Before her signature she wrote "Jesus is Victor". Then she asked me a question that changed the course of my life: "Have you accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior?"

Corrie ten Boom wrote: "Jesus is Victor." St. Paul wrote: "Death has been swallowed up in victory...Thanks be to God. He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Corinthians 15:54,57)

Because of the resurrection of Jesus we have been promised victory over death and all that evil can throw at us. While we don't always experience it, the Christian life is characteristically a life of victory not of defeat. Night is always succeeded by dawn. Light always banishes darkness. Love always outlasts hate. Whatever may happen to us in this world, we have the assurance that the last word is with the risen Jesus Christ.

This is the faith of Easter: there is plenty in life that tries to defeat us, but, if Jesus is Victor and gives us the victory, we need never be dragged down to defeat. Do you believe that? I did that weekend, and it totally changed the direction of my life.

Recent world events give us plenty of reasons to feel defeated, but neither business challenges, earthquakes, tsunamis, wars and revolutions need defeat us if we are trusting in the risen Jesus. Personal tragedies on the battlefields of life threaten us with the prospect of defeat but intervention of the conqueror of sin and suffering can turn the tide. "Thanks be to God. He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."

We can say to ourselves with confidence, when the darkness is deepest, when grief threatens to overwhelm us, when money is short, when prospects look bleak, when there seems to be no hope, and pain is the sharpest: "I give thanks to God. He gives me the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."

There are those who say: "There is no God. Jesus is no better than anyone else. The resurrection was a myth trumped up by the disciples. You are whistling in the dark. Get real. Grow up. Face the music." There are those like the passersby at the Cross who hurled insults at Jesus and called on him to 'Come down from the Cross, if you are the Son of God." (Matthew 27:40) When the secular culture scoffs at faith in Christ, derides the truth of Holy Scripture, ridicules Christian principles and lifestyle, and does everything in its power to make fun of you when you believe in the power of the resurrection, remember that they did the same to Jesus and his first disciples who were victorious in suffering and death.

When counsels of despair prevail at the sick bed, and there is skepticism about the reality of the kingdom of heaven, the gift of eternal life, the presence of angels and archangels and the whole company of heaven, remember they said the same thing to Jesus at the grave of Lazarus. We believe that death has been swallowed up in victory. We believe in Jesus who said and demonstrated that he was "the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live even though he dies; and whosoever lives and believes in me will never die." (John 11:25,26)

War and rumors of wars will come and go. Nations will rise against nations, tribe against tribe, ethnic group against ethnic group, religion against religion, ideology against ideology. There will be famines, earthquakes, tornadoes and tsunamis in various places. But Jesus said, "Such things must happen. They are part of life here on earth. But see to it you are not alarmed." Don't let these things alarm you. "Give thanks to God. He gives you the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." Believe in the victory of Jesus.

In many parts of the world Christians are being handed over to be persecuted and put to death. Jesus said that, "you will be hated because of me...many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands to the end will be saved." (Matthew 24:9-13) When love for God and one another grows cold around you, when the fires of faith burn low, do not lose heart. The God of love will be with you and surround you with his love. Stand with him to the end and you will be saved. If you are faithful, and trust in him, he will give you the victory over opposition and unbelief. "Give thanks to God. He gives you the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."

How often we are overwhelmed with life's problems. We are discouraged and depressed. Many cannot overcome their unhealthy habits, their addictions, in their own strength. You may be full of fear and anxiety. You may feel that you are a failure. Some of you may even have considered suicide. You feel defeated by life. The world is too much for you. You are like the disciples after the resurrection who went fishing but caught nothing. They had nothing to show for all their work. Their hands were empty. Try as they might, they had no profit for their hard labor. The risen Jesus came to them on the shore. He called out to them, "Friends, haven't you any fish?" "No," they answered. He said, "Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some." When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. (John 21:1-6) Jesus comes to us every day if we will but recognize him, and listen to his voice, and do what he says. He may encourage us to try again. He may guide us to a new approach, or a new opportunity, or a new start, or a new contact. He may give us a new attitude, a new vision for our life with him. When we trust in him, and follow him, we will have the victory. "God gives you the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."

Belief in the victory of Jesus is the answer to turmoil and trouble. You are sunk into despair over your circumstances or those of your loved ones. You are full of bitterness, anger and resentment over the way life has treated you. You are tempted to blame God, blame others, and blame yourself. You feel guilty over your weaknesses and mistakes in years gone by. You are having conflicts in your close relationships, in your family. You don't see your way to a resolution of your difficulties. Jesus comes to you in the storms of life. You may think your boat is sinking, your time is running out, your strength is failing, but he can calm the storm and rescue you if you will do what he says. "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30) When you come to him and invite him into your life every morning before you face the world, and walk with him all day, and fill your mind with his words, and learn from him amongst his family the Church, you will enter into his victory. God will give you the victory.

What victory do you seek today? Because of his resurrection from the dead Jesus is victor. His victory over death ensures your victory over all that threatens you, as you trust in him. This is the good news of Easter.

Sign up for my blog updates on www.ameliachapel.com/blog