I am not someone who likes to lose, so I guess that means I am a pretty competitive person.

This past spring I had the privilege of coaching the Campbell Jr. High boys’ soccer team, and we were able to accumulate a 13-0-1 record and won the regular season and tournament championship for the first time.

When the final whistle blew in the championship game, I expected a flood of emotion, confetti to fall, “One Shining Moment”’ to play or something, but in all honesty, I didn’t feel any of that.

As highly competitive as I am, and as much as I like to win, it was almost like there was something not fulfilled.

Victory is defined by Webster’s as “the overcoming of an enemy or antagonist or achievement of mastery or success in a struggle or endeavor against odds or difficulties.”

We often equate victory with a sporting event, a game we play, etc.

There is however one victory that took place more than 2,000 years ago beginning with a cross and ending with an empty tomb.

That was the greatest victory of all humankind because at that moment, Jesus defeated death, hell and the grave; defeating our enemy Satan once and for all.

Roman 8:34 (HCSB), says, “…Christ Jesus is the One who died, but even more, has been raised; He also is at the right hand of God and intercedes for us.”

Think for a moment about the fact Jesus died for us, “while we were yet sinners” (Romans 5:8) as proof of the love He has for us.

He didn’t die because we did anything right or deserved it, but He died for us in the state we are right now.

That is the very definition of victory — but the best thing about it is it’s a gift. It’s a win/win scenario!

“Who can separate us from the love of Christ? Can affliction or anguish or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: Because of You we are being put to death all day long; we are counted as sheep to be slaughtered. No, in all these things we are more than victorious through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that not even death or life, angels or rulers, things present or things to come, hostile powers, height or depth, or any other created thing will have the power to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord!” (Romans 8:35-39)

In this life we will have victories and defeats. Everything is not always going to go the way we want it to, but we can be assured we will always have victory in Jesus.

“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!” (1 Corinthians 15:57)

The championship I was able to experience with the RDC boys’ soccer team was great. I loved seeing the looks on the boys’ faces as they accomplished a goal they had set.

But that victory only lasts for a moment. Having a part of someone giving their life to Jesus and seeing hope, joy and freedom come into their lives is a victory that I never get tired of witnessing, and that victory lasts.

This is available to you and you will find Him if you search Him with your whole heart. (Jeremiah 29:13)

Let’s rejoice together in the everlasting victory and always remember, “Jesus loves you just the way you are, but He refuses to leave you that way. He wants you to be just like Jesus.” — Max Lucado

Renny Ross is the founding Pastor at Oasis Foursquare Church established in May 2013. He can be reached by e-mail at rennyross@oasis4square.com