Life can be tough. We all face battles and challenges and sometimes feel like we’re losing. Yet, even in tough times, we can find victory. Too often, we let our difficulties shape who we think we are, focusing only on how hard things are and how much we struggle. This mindset can lead us closer to sin and discouragement.
But our true identity isn’t in our struggles. It’s found in the victory Jesus Christ achieved for us. By faith, that victory belongs to us. Jesus overcame sin and death, and as believers filled with the Holy Spirit, we share in that win.
There are two types of struggles. The good kind involves fighting the good fight of faith and moving forward with God. The bad kind involves holding onto a sin we like. Sometimes, when we say we’re “struggling,” we’re really just not letting go of a sin.
We shouldn’t use struggles as an excuse for sin. What we do shows what we believe. If we truly believe in the victory Jesus gives us, our actions will show it.
2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “If anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation. The old is gone; the new is here.” This truth applies to every believer. We are literally new people in Christ. The old self is gone, and we now have a new identity.
Yet, many believers act like their faith hasn’t changed anything, sticking to old habits and missing out on the power of Christ’s work. We need to live in this new life by faith, seeing our old selves as dead.
Galatians 2:20 says, “I have been crucified with Christ. It’s no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. And the life I now live, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” When we’re born again, we get new life with new strength. The Christian life is Jesus living through us.
Feelings don’t always tell the truth about our situation. We need to match our feelings with faith. Loving your partner or submitting to your husband might not feel easy, but by faith, we can find God’s strength to do it.
2 Corinthians 2:14 says, “Thanks to God, who leads us in triumph in Christ and spreads the knowledge of Him everywhere.” As believers, we’re always led in victory. This requires us to follow Jesus, even when it feels against our nature.
We might want revenge when hurt, but Jesus calls us to forgive. Following Him during these times leads to true victory. We don’t fight for victory; we rest in what Jesus has already done.
The Bible reminds us:
- Psalm 98:1: Sing to the Lord a new song for His wonderful deeds.
- 1 Corinthians 15:57: Thanks to God for giving victory through Jesus.
- Romans 8:37: We are more than winners through Him who loved us.
As new creations, we have a new identity and victories and a new power source. Acts 1:8 promises that the Holy Spirit gives us the power to overcome and live by faith.
When struggling, remember the victory you already have in Christ. It’s not about asking God for something new but accepting what He’s already given. We choose, moment by moment, to walk in the Spirit, not the flesh.
You can’t struggle and rest at the same time. You can’t believe and not believe at the same time. You have to choose. Will you let struggles define you or embrace your new identity in Christ?
Today is a great time to start if you’ve never experienced this new life. We’ve all sinned and missed the mark. But God offers forgiveness and eternal life through Jesus.
Romans 10:9 says, “If you say Jesus is Lord and believe God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” It’s a step of faith—admitting our need for Jesus, believing in His death and resurrection, and choosing to follow Him.
Whether you’ve been a believer for years or are new to faith, the message is simple: accept Christ’s new life, victories, and strength. Stop living in defeat and start experiencing the triumph Jesus has already won for you.
Your struggles don’t define you. Your true identity is in Christ’s victory. Believe this, and let it change your life completely. The key to overcoming struggles isn’t self-help but following Jesus fully. You’ll find the rest and peace your heart is looking for in Him.
Galatians 2:20 | Study 14807
