When our girls were still in elementary school, they were playing a game together. Two of them complained to their mother that the third one was cheating. Cheryl went to confront her about it, and she offered this explanation, “But mom, if I don’t cheat, I can’t win!”

At an early age she had learned the ways of this world. “Win at all costs. It is all about me. It doesn’t matter how your actions affect others. Do what you want to make yourself happy.” Needless to say, her mother and I worked even harder to teach her the better way that God has for us to live in response to knowing what He has done for us in Christ.

I’ve thought about our daughter’s statement many times over the years and was reminded of it again recently when I came across an article entitled “How to Cheat Death.” The article suggested tips for living a healthy life, but the truth is that you cannot cheat death. In this sinful, fallen world, death comes. It is a reality. It is not within your power to cheat or defeat death. You cannot do it.

That is where God steps in and says, “Don’t worry. I’ve got this.” The one who made us and everything else wants us to be with Him. Our sins separated us from Him, but He said He would provide a way for us to be reunited. He would send a rescue, a way to forgiveness, a restoration for those who would believe His promise.

1 Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus didn’t simply “cheat” death. He blew it away. He conquered it. When He lived a life without sin and offered that perfect life as payment for the sins of everyone else, He won the victory over it and gives it to any and all who put their faith in Him. We get the win and there is no cheating involved. The verse above bears repeating.

1 Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Let that fill your mind today.