“But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere.” (2 Corinthians 2:14)
By Bishop Jarod Cruthis
In today’s world as we find ourselves surrounded by so much chaos and division, it may seem that situations in our lives are insurmountable and all consuming. It’s like the old saying goes, “Two steps forward and three steps back.” I hear this from my parishioners, my clergy, and even family and coworkers. What we must remember is that we do not live by the natural laws of this world. We are seated in Heavenly places with Christ. When it seems as if everything is crumbling around you, we have to remember the promises in God’s Word.
In II Corinthians, we see a few keys to living a life of victory and triumph. First, when we examine this Scripture we see that the writer begins with praise. “Thanks be to God!” How many times do we speak this phrase at Mass, in our daily walk or even in our prayer time? This is not just a response or meaningless religious phrase, this is praise! When the praise goes up, Heaven stands at attention. A believer who learns to “praise before proceeding”, they will find that they proceed with their petitions and prayers with an edge and an intense insight into their ability to overcome. Praise always precedes our victory. When we begin to praise God for who He is, it takes the focus off of us, our situation, and refocuses us on Him. If our eyes are on Him, then our perspective changes which then will change our outcome.
Secondly, the Scripture shows us a promise. It is Christ, not man who leads us in a triumphal procession. There is a vicious cycle that is attached to our human nature which causes us to do everything we can and then call on Jesus. This my friends is not Scriptural. Yes, we should do all that we can to combat the Enemy, but when we praise, it reminds us of the promise that we are already walking in a triumphant procession. The Scriptures tell us that we have already overcome. It’s not that we will overcome, but we have overcome. It is vital to understand that we walk through all situations from a vantage point of victory. Victory has already been handed to us.
Finally, the Scripture tells us that walking in knowledge not only benefits us but it spreads the Good News of Christ. Ignorance is not bliss when it comes to our Faith and the battle that we face. Knowledge is power and only the knowledge of Christ will empower you to overcome and walk triumphantly through your valley. So how do we gain that knowledge? We cannot forsake the gathering together of believers. We must be daily in the Word and in prayer. When we are armed with knowledge we are not only equipped to walk in victory but we can give an account to others of that Hope that resides within us.
My prayer for you all is that God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit will teach you how to walk in your triumphant procession. Blessings for your week and may you walk in victory!