Victory

My stepdad had colon cancer in 2003.

At the time, I was not a Christian. I had no grid for prayer, no faith for God’s ability to heal, and no understanding of the power of our words.

By His grace, He used a woman I adored and respected to teach me. I will never forget what she told me, “Jodi, you have to claim victory over this! Start declaring it and believing it!”

So I did.

I made a huge banner and taped it to the wall in front of Tommy’s hospital bed. It said, “WE CLAIM VICTORY OVER THIS.”

It brings tears to my eyes as I remember it - 22 years later - he is still here. Praise You for the victory, Jesus!

So I am thinking today …

Life isn’t just about the W.

It isn’t all about winning, in the competitive sense - where you get the trophy, the accolades, and the bragging rights. The competition is fun and keeps life interesting, but if we aren’t careful, winning can become a pursuit of being at the top - no matter what it takes.

Victory, on the other hand, implies winning, but it also includes the journey. When we talk about a football game, we say we won. When we talk about a war, we call it a VICTORY.

Why? And what is the difference?

Winning is the act of succeeding in a game or competition - it is often immediate and tactical. Victory signifies a larger, more profound triumph over significant challenges - often with strategic, long-term, or even moral implications - making victory a deeper, more meaningful win in life's major battles, not just the games.

It takes more time to win a war than it does to win a football game.

Think of a win as scoring points, while victory is achieving the entire war's purpose - even if the path involves many small wins and losses, aka battles.

I can #WinThisDay and still face the same battle tomorrow, but when I have VICTORY, the battle is over. It is more than breakthrough - it is claiming and conquering.

I saw some real wins in 2025, but in 2026, I want the victory.

Winning gives us opportunities to celebrate. Victory claims territory and puts a stake in the ground.

Victory is part of my word for 2026. I am believing God for wars to be won, for battles I have been fighting to come to an end, and for strongholds to be broken!

Where do you need a VICTORY in your life? Your heart? Your mind? Your relationships? Your finances? Your health?

I encourage you to CLAIM VICTORY over your battles in 2026 - declare it, decree it, and believe it. God is on the M.O.V.E.!

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Victory

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I am praying His glorious victory over you in 2026.