Following the signing of the Constitution, it is said that Ben Franklin was asked whether the United States was now a monarchy or a republic. His reply – “A republic, if you can keep it.” Though we have endured many challenges for more than 200 years since that time, the victory of our independence in establishing the freedoms outlined in the Constitution is even now being threatened. The war of the Revolution had to be won, but the real challenge was surviving that victory to continue in the promise of its dream. Straying from its foundation on established Biblical truths will still render the nation vulnerable to its greatest losses.
This principle of surviving a victory holds true in other areas of gain and achievement as the most challenging time often follows the triumph. The focus and passion that enabled overcoming often give way to complacency and diversions. Maintaining the motivation that made it possible is essential to retaining the benefits of the win. Without its continual pursuit, the victory will not survive.
Salvation, deliverance, provision, and healing are great victories provided for us in Christ. While they are incredible blessings that will transform a life, their survival beyond an initial benefit depends on the continued pursuit of the One who gave them to us. Straying from the truth in Him to fall back into the ways of the world will render the triumph of His presence vulnerable to loss. Surviving the victory of receiving new life in Him will depend on a passion and pursuit of Him that doesn’t give way to complacency and indifference. Those victories that come with knowing Him will never replace a quest for what is yet to be discovered in Him. As He is the one thing that is sought after, the victory of knowing Him will survive all threats and challenges.
2 Samuel 11:1 (NKJV)
1 It happened in the spring of the year, at the time when kings go out to battle, that David sent Joab and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the people of Ammon and besieged Rabbah. But David remained at Jerusalem.
Psalms 27:4 (TLB)
4 The one thing I want from God, the thing I seek most of all, is the privilege of meditating in his Temple, living in his presence every day of my life, delighting in his incomparable perfections and glory.
Philippians 3:12-13 (NLT)
12 I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me.
13 No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead,
2 Peter 2:20-22 (NKJV)
20 For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning.
21 For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them.
22 But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: “A DOG RETURNS TO HIS OWN VOMIT,” and, "a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire." (Proverbs 26:11)
Hebrews 10:35-39 (NLT)
35 So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you!
36 Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.
37 “For in just a little while, the Coming One will come and not delay.
38 And my righteous ones will live by faith. But I will take no pleasure in anyone who turns away.”
39 But we are not like those who turn away from God to their own destruction. We are the faithful ones, whose souls will be saved.
Psalms 27:8 (NKJV)
8 When You said, “Seek My face,” My heart said to You, "Your face, LORD, I will seek."