Victory Assured

Sometimes it appears that evil is winning, but we don’t walk by sight. We see with eyes of faith. As you watch the news from the Middle East, as you hear of wars and rumors of wars, as you see an increase in persecution in West Africa, don’t doubt the Lord’s promise. Our victory is assured. We have God’s Word on it.

In the early 1800s, before the invention of the telegraph, England had a communication system called the semaphore line. Using a system of flags and telescopes, messages could be relayed from tower to tower across the length and breadth of England.

In July 1812, the Duke of Wellington led his forces into battle against the French in Salamanca, Spain. News of the battle was delivered to the naval port in Plymouth, England. The commander of the port, Captain Robert Calder, took the message from the courier and climbed the semaphore tower. Using signal flags, he would send the message to the next tower in line, and the message would be relayed to London, two hundred miles away.

Captain Calder began transmitting: “Wellington defeated—”

Just then, the fog rolled in, interrupting the message. The bank of fog continued to shroud the port for most of the day. Meanwhile, those two words, “Wellington defeated,” were relayed from tower to tower all the way to London.

When the people of London heard of the Duke of Wellington’s defeat, they panicked. Businessmen sold their government bonds. Fortunes were lost.

Back in Plymouth, the fog lifted. Captain Calder transmit­ted the complete message: “Wellington defeated the French at Salamanca.” Despair turned to celebration!

So it is with you and me. Jesus has won the victory. Satan is a defeated foe. The Battle of Armageddon has not yet been fought—yet the Lord has declared, “It is done!”

Never surrender to panic or despair. Our Lord will return like a thief, when we least expect Him. Be vigilant. Be prepared. Be faithful.

When He returns, will you be ready?

Prayer: Lord, when I am overwhelmed by the brokenness of this world, help me find peace in Your coming Kingdom and joy in Your eternal victory. Help me rejoice even when it appears that evil is winning. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.