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Learning to Live in Victory

It has been said that for every minute of hatred, we lose sixty seconds of happiness. Therefore, it is imperative that we learn to forgive those who offend us. If we are to ever grow in our spiritual walk, we must place more emphasis on recovery than on revenge. I have found that reading the Bible daily is one of the most effective ways to heal past wounds.

The early years of my life suggested a frightful future, but at just the right time I chose to be a Christ follower. I realized then that by giving my life to Him, and accepting Him as the Owner and Guide of my very existence, I could live in victory.

My pastor, Juan Manzano, taught me that in Christ I am a winner and with Him I could face any difficulty. Applying this truth at an early age can change the future of other young people around the world, just as it did me. I thank God for that truth that transformed my life and my destiny. The great apostle Paul also had his life transformed. Writing to the Christians in Corinth, he said, “Thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!” (1 Corinthians 15:57).

In all of my preparation for life, whether it be starting a family or beginning a new career, I have understood the Lord to be the Source of our ultimate victory. Through the years I have had the opportunity to serve Him in a number of different ministries. The prophecy spoken over me came true.

My life may have begun in great poverty and sadness, but God’s love set me free and gave me the opportunity to live in victory. In the eyes of some, having been born out of wedlock would make me a bastard, illegitimate, a “love child.” But in Christ I have discovered a much better description for myself. I now prefer to picture myself as a child of Love. As the apostle John put it, God is Love. This Love calls us His own. I am His child. I am a child of Love. I live in victory and abundance through His grace. My story continues to encourage others, and I hope it encourages you, too.

God, through faith in Christ I want to be a child of Love. I not only want to be Yours, but to have Your love act through me to draw others to a life of forgiveness, abundance, and victory. I place my trust in You.

This devotional plan was based on material from Child of Love, by Emilio A. Reyes. To learn more about his life and work, click here.