As the clock ticked down—3…2…1—I looked around and saw our players jumping up and down, high-fiving their teammates. After a hard-fought game, we had just won our first middle school basketball game of the season. Not only that, it was my first career win as a coach.

The feeling was incredible. There’s nothing quite like a victory.

Growing up as an athlete, I always loved a good win. And honestly, that desire hasn’t gone away. In the game of life, I still want victories—as a husband, dad, pastor, and leader. Each win, big or small, matters.

But there’s a victory greater than any win on the court or any success in this life: victory over death.

The reality is that death is coming for all of us at some point. To defeat the grave is the ultimate victory—and that is exactly what Jesus has done through His triumphant resurrection. And here’s the good news of the gospel: for everyone who believes in Him, His resurrection victory becomes ours. In Christ, we don’t just hope for victory—we have it.

While exploring through Ephesus, I noticed a sculpture carving of what looked like an athletic woman carrying a wreath. I learned it was the Greek goddess Nike—the “goddess of victory,” and the inspiration behind the popular sports brand name. Nike represented winning, which sounds inspiring… but there’s one problem: Nike couldn’t help anyone actually win. She was a myth—fictional, powerless, unable to give real victory in real life… and certainly powerless over death.

That contrast hit me: from the “goddess of victory” to the God of victory—the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

In 1 Corinthians 15:55–57, Paul writes:

“O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?”
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.
“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Jesus didn’t merely make victory possible—He secured it. The cross paid for sin. The empty grave proves death is defeated. And when we trust in Christ, we aren’t fighting for victory anymore—we’re learning to live from it.

The truth is, apart from Christ, we were spiritually dead—dead in our sins and trespasses—and headed toward eternal separation from God (Ephesians 2:1–3). But God. Two of the greatest words ever written. Because He is rich in mercy, because of His great love, He made usalive together with Christ (Ephesians 2:4–7).

So today, keep getting to know God. He isn’t fictional, mythical, or buried in a grave. He is alive—loving, gracious, sovereign—and He invites you to share in His victory over sin and death. Even when life feels like ups and downs, setbacks and struggles, you can rise with confidence because Christ has already won.

Jesus, thank You for the victory You won on the cross and through the empty tomb. When I’m afraid, discouraged, or struggling with sin, help me rise and live from Your victory—not chasing approval, but walking in faith and confidence as Your child. Make me more aware of Your presence, Your power, and Your love. In Jesus’ name, amen!

Write down one place where you’ve been striving for a “win” in your own strength (approval, success, control, comfort, recognition). Then pray:

“Jesus, help me live from Your victory here today.”

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