Many compare their experiences to those of the apostle Paul, the trials and tribulations he went through, but Paul is not our ultimate role model. – Jesus is!

Paul does say to imitate him in 1 Corinthians 4, but he is talking about his ways “in Christ.” In Hebrews 12 we are told to “look unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.” Therefore Christ is our model for successful living.

When we make Jesus Christ’s life our standard, it stretches us to a new level of victory and success in Him. So what standard of victory should we expect as we live out our lives in and through Him?

· When Jesus was taken to the edge of a cliff to be stoned, He confidently walked to safety. He did not believe God to survive the stoning.

· When Jesus was at sea in a terrible storm He used His authority to create stillness. He did not believe God to survive the shipwreck.

· When Jesus needed to get across the water He walked on it. He did not believe God for an available passenger boat.

· When Jesus heard His cousin had been murdered He went out to heal and deliver people and destroy the works of the devil in people’s lives. He did not believe God to merely resist a spirit of grief.

· When Jesus needed food to distribute, He just multiplied what He had.

· When Jesus needed tax money, He sent Peter off to catch a fish with money in its mouth.

· When Jesus friend died, He raised him up from the dead after 3 days.

Jesus walked in total victory against every attack of the devil against Him. No demon, no person, no storm, no nothing could prosper against Him.

Jesus turned every attack into an opportunity to strike back at the devil. Every test and trial He faced was just another opportunity to demonstrate to the world the faithfulness and love of God.

Through the Cross Jesus made a way for you to live at that same level. You need accept nothing less, but it depends on what you will receive. You can do it if you will only believe.