V FOR VICTORY!

Bali’s west coast is known for its iconic stunning sunsets over the sea. “Golden hour” attracts hundreds upon hundreds of photographers – from influencers capturing the perfect silhouetted shot for their latest content, to families snapping holiday memories. Among them are the nervous boyfriends (or girlfriends if they are tired of waiting) ready to pop the big question. Being just 8 degrees south of the equator, the Bali days are filled with roughly 12 hours of year round sunlight, with sunset times varying only slightly from season to season.

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On our 3rd night in Bali, we were treated to an unexpected delight in the sky. As we settled down to watch the sunset from our hotel’s grounds, we saw something we had never witnessed before. The sunset appeared to split into a “V” shape. It was both spectacular and perplexing. How magnificent, how marvellous, but also… how?! We ooed and aahed and took many photos – one of which you can see above. When sharing our experience and photos with Nyoman and Eka the next day, without any hesitation, Nyoman, standing firmly, legs apart, chest puffed out, thrust his fist into the air as he triumphantly declared “V FOR VICTORY!”

We contemplated this announcement briefly in silence, then erupted in to laughter. Nyoman did his signature incredibly hard knee slap that always makes me grimace a little, followed by a deeply felt belly laugh. Two endearing characteristics we have come to adore. This statement stayed with me for the duration of the trip, playing over in my mind multiple times a day. V FOR VICTORY! Yes! V FOR VICTORY! What joy and boldness should fill our born-again hearts and minds when we contemplate all that Jesus has won on our behalf?! He has won our freedom. He has won the victory over sin, death, and spiritual darkness. When we let that sink in, REALLY sink in, it should cause a re-wiring to occur in our brain. Why do we so often default to worry? Why do we feel like everything is just too much at times? Why do we feel the pressure that everything is dependant on us? As I reflect, I wonder if it’s because we are creatures who can be slow to remember. Jesus has won the victory for us through his death and resurrection. It’s a kinda pivotal part of the Christian faith right?!

Perhaps I should adopt a new daily practice, add something extra to my morning routine. Imagine this - as I arise from bed, I stand firmly, legs apart, chest puffed out, thrust my fist into the air as I triumphantly declare “V FOR VICTORY!” I will forgo the knee slap as I think it would hurt too much. What a way to start the day with the right focus.

V FOR VICTORY!

It’s not even a battle cry… the battle is done and dusted - it’s indeed a declaration of conquer, of absolute triumph!

1 John 5:4-5: "For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?"

When we are in the thick of it, when it feels like we are in the deep, dark trenches of battle with little hope of survival, may we remember this… For those in Christ who have made him Lord and Saviour, thanks to Jesus’ work on the cross, we are overcomers, we stand victorious!

Amen?!

I’d love you to leave a comment – What would your life look like if this were a habit/mindset you were to adopt every day?