Victorious Life

"Everyone born of God overcomes the world." 1 John 5:4

I came across the following quote by Corrie Ten Boom, from her book, Not I, but Christ:

"A Christian's lifestyle must be one of victory, of joy, or abundance - a life given to us by Jesus Christ from God's fullness. We must not draw from our possibilities, but from God's possibilities, not from our limited strength, but from His immeasurable strength."

The verse I started with, from 1 John, says that everyone born of God is victorious. They overcome the world. This Advent season, my husband has been examining the life of Jesus - from his conception to His resurrection. This coming Sunday his message will focus on the victorious life of Jesus. His life was not victorious in the sense that He became rich and powerful. His life was victorious because He surrendered His self and drew on the unfailing resources of the Almighty God. In the book They Found the Secret, it is called "the exchanged life," and it is possible for everyone who is truly born of God. The following poem, called Himself, by Dr. A.B. Simpson describes this exchanged life.

Once it was the blessing, Now it is the Lord;
Once it was the feeling, Now it is His Word.
Once His gifts I wanted, Now the Giver own;
Once I sought for healing, Now Himself alone.
Once 'twas painful trying, Now 'tis perfect trust;
Once a half salvation, Now the uttermost.
Once 'twas ceaseless holding, Now He holds me fast;
Once 'twas constant drifting, Now my anchor's cast.
Once 'twas busy planning, Now 'tis trustful prayer;
Once 'twas anxious caring, Now He has the care.
Once 'twas what I wanted, Now what Jesus says;
Once 'twas constant asking, Now 'tis ceaseless praise.
Once it was my working, His it hence shall be;
Once I tried to use Him, Now He uses me.
Once the power I wanted, Now the Mighty One;
Once for self I labored, Now for Him alone.
Once I hoped in Jesus, Now I know He's mine;
Once my lamps were dying, Now they brightly shine.
Once for death I waited, Now His coming hail;
And my hopes are anchored, Safe within the vail.