The Battle Is Won!

“Thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us reveals the fragrance of the knowledge of Him in every place.”—2 Corinthians 2:14 NASB

In 1861, Francis Pott was serving on a committee compiling hymns for a new hymnal for the Church of England. He came upon a hymn written in Latin in the 17th century, “Finita Iam Sunt Proelia.” Impressed, Pott determined to translate this hymn into English. It became a hymn he called “The Strife Is O’er, the Battle Done.” It was decided to set this hymn to music written in 1591 by the great Italian composer Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina.

This masterpiece describes the spiritual battle that took place when Jesus was crucified. His adversaries might have thought they won, but Jesus rose “glorious from the dead.” In the end, He emerged victorious. We can rejoice in this victory, singing, “The strife is o’er, the battle done; the victory of life is won; the song of triumph has begun. Alleluia!”

Jesus faced the powers of death and conquered them all. They did “their worst,” but He was victorious. Because of Him, we can rejoice: “Let shouts of holy joy outburst. Alleluia!” We can experience victory. The Bible tells us God always causes us to triumph in Christ.

Do not allow your life to be dominated by fear, worry, or doubt. Celebrate the victory Jesus won for you. Remember, the strife is over. The battle already has been won! Through faith, God always causes you to triumph in Christ in everything you do!

Reflection Question: What battles are you currently facing?