Victory?

vic·to·ry

   [vik-tuh-ree, vik-tree] 

1.

a success or triumph over an enemy in battle or war.

2.

an engagement ending in such triumph

3.

the ultimate and decisive superiority in any battle orcontest

4.

a success or superior position achieved against anyopponent, opposition, difficulty, etc.: a moral victory.

    Lately I have been praying and pondering over the word, 'Victory'.I have been spending some time thinking about this word (which Dictionary.com define above), because at the end of each week here in Portugal; Hannah and I are asked what victories the previous week held. Now as a Christian on a mission trip, what is the first thing that comes to mind when asked about the victories that took place? Well, the number of salvation's, of course!

However, I truly believe we (as followers of Jesus) have had a very clouded definition of the word victory. 

"But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."

#1: Jesus Christ is from whom all victory is formed and found. 1 Corinthians 15:57

By our own strength and ability, victory is not possible.Yet, with Christ 

Jesus,mountains can be moved! Often we look in the mirror in hopes of finding victory within,  when ultimately true victory is found as we decrease and the Heavenly Father increases.

#2: Yes, seeing man surrendering his heart to the Savior is a victory in this dark, depraved world. However if we choose to only fix our eyes and purpose on this victorious moment, we will surely miss out on the others surrounding us.For example, Jesus tells the Parable of the Sower in Matthew chapter 13 and explains what it means to sow "good" seeds. A good seed is a victory and something to be joyous about; a daily friendly smile to the neighbor who only speaks Portuguese,or praying constantly for a certain cafe, visiting it regularly...  all such things are planting seeds and All seeds will eventually grow.Our neighbor may, one day, ask someone why we were here and hear of Jesus' love; the cafe owner may see generosity, love, and consistency and wonder what is different or new about us.The beauty of a seed sown is the timing of it's growth.God's timing is far greater than our own. Hannah and I may never get to witness the results of the seeds the Lord has allowed us to sow here. We are not called to see results,we are called to be obedient and love like Jesus, He is the one who holds the outcome.

He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. ⁸ But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” -Acts 1:7-8

and #3: A victory is (as dictionary.com defined) :an engagement ending in such triumph. For example my victory for the week (which I did not at first count as a victory) Was meeting a woman Saturday at the crafts festival who made jewelry.We held a great conversation about her work. This conversation ended in her telling me her name (Isabella) and inviting me to take lessons at the shop she owns. Though this may seem small to you, it was an engagement ending in such triumph.(and in English might I add) 

We will be stopping by her shop this week in hopes to continue on in a great relationship/friendship structured by Christ to show Christ. I believe this deserves a shout of VICTORY!!! 

God has divine appointment and in Him victory is made possible and known and shown.   

So, What is Victory? How often do we tend to focus on the defeats in our day and miss out on the victories God is allowing to take place all around.