If Jesus Already Won the Victory, Why Do I Still Feel Like I’m Losing Battles?
We’ve all been there. You know the Bible says Jesus has already won. You’ve sung about victory in Christ. You’ve heard the sermons and maybe even preached them. And yet—on Monday morning you wake up feeling defeated.
Temptation shows up again. Anxiety whispers at night. That relationship stays tense. And you’re left asking the raw question:
“If Christ already won, why do I feel like I’m losing?”
This question isn’t just theoretical. It’s deeply personal, and for many believers, it’s where faith meets frustration. Let’s take a deeper dive into Scripture and see what God has to say.
The “Already / Not Yet” of Victory
One of the keys to understanding this tension is the idea theologians call the “already and not yet.”
-
Already: At the cross and resurrection, Jesus disarmed the powers of darkness (Colossians 2:15). The decisive battle has been fought and won.
-
Not Yet: We’re still waiting for the day when every enemy is fully defeated and every tear is wiped away (1 Corinthians 15:25–26; Revelation 21:4).
Think of World War II. On D-Day (June 6, 1944) the Allies stormed Normandy and turned the tide. Victory was certain from that day forward. But the war didn’t officially end until V-E Day (May 8, 1945)—nearly a year later.
The cross was our D-Day. Jesus crushed the enemy’s power. But our V-E Day—the final victory—awaits His return. Until then, battles rage, but the war is already decided.
The Enemy’s Schemes
Paul reminds us in Ephesians 6:12 that our struggle is not against flesh and blood. People are not the real enemy. Behind the scenes, Satan wages war with strategy and subtlety.
Here are four common tactics he uses:
-
Deception — twisting truth into lies.
-
Discouragement — whispering “you’ll never change.”
-
Division — convincing us to fight each other instead of fighting him.
-
Distraction — keeping us busy with everything but prayer and Scripture.
Satan cannot reverse the victory of Christ, but he can convince us to live like defeated people.
Putting On Christ: The Armor of God
The armor Paul describes in Ephesians 6:13–17 isn’t a checklist of equipment. It’s a picture of putting on Christ Himself (Romans 13:14).
-
Belt of Truth — Jesus is Truth. Anchor yourself in His Word.
-
Breastplate of Righteousness — You are protected by Christ’s righteousness, not your own performance.
-
Shoes of Peace — Walk in the peace Christ secured with God, and extend it to others.
-
Shield of Faith — Trust Jesus to extinguish the lies and fears that come at you like flaming arrows.
-
Helmet of Salvation — Guard your mind with the assurance of God’s saving work.
-
Sword of the Spirit — Wield God’s Word against the enemy’s lies, just as Jesus did in the wilderness.
Victory isn’t about trying harder. It’s about abiding deeper.
Prayer: The Engine of the Armor
Paul ties it all together with prayer (Ephesians 6:18–20). The armor comes alive when God’s people pray.
-
Prayer isn’t just a wishlist—it’s a lifeline.
-
It includes confession, thanksgiving, intercession, lament, warfare, and listening.
-
It keeps us alert, dependent, and united.
Without prayer, the armor stays on the hanger.
What To Do When You Feel Defeated
-
Reconnect to the Source. Strength comes from staying plugged into Christ (John 15:5).
-
Name the Lie. Identify the enemy’s scheme and answer it with truth.
-
Lock Shields. Don’t fight alone—link faith with others in prayer.
-
Pray Boldly. Don’t just endure—ask the Spirit for courage, as Paul did.
-
Remember the End. You’re not fighting for victory, but from it. The war is already decided.
Reflection Questions
-
Where in my life do I feel most defeated right now?
-
Which piece of Christ’s armor do I need to “put on” in that area?
-
Who can I invite this week to “lock shields” with me in prayer?
A Prayer for Victory
“Lord, when I feel defeated, remind me that the battle has already been won in Jesus. Strengthen me in Your Spirit. Help me to put on Christ daily, expose the lies I’m believing, and lock shields with others in prayer. Thank You that I stand not in my own strength but in Yours. Amen.”
Final Word
If you’re feeling defeated, remember: Victory is not a feeling—it’s a Person. Jesus has already triumphed. You may still be in the battle, but you are fighting from victory, not for it.
Stand firm. Put on Christ. Pray in the Spirit. Lock shields with your church family. And never forget—your V-E Day is coming.
