All of us want to win. All of us want to savour the victory of being able to see our adversaries cringe in defeat. Whether it's a basketball game, a simple game of checkers, or something as tragic as war, we all want to win.
The Bible, however, gives us instances where losing actually meant winning. These instances show us that victory isn't garnered after winning a certain event. Sometimes we might win the fight but actually lose the war.
Here are some instances in the Bible where losing actually meant winning
1. The death of Christ
Nothing beats the death of our Lord Jesus Christ, because through His death He defeated sin and Satan, and in His consequent resurrection, He defeated death and gave hope to all men. (see Romans 6-8)
The Pharisees thought that they'd finally be able to silence this Man who brought them shame and guilt by exposing their hypocrisy. They thought that they'd finally be able to end the threat to their reign. But they were mistaken. Jesus' resurrection even fueled the disciples to go and make more disciples.
Satan thought he'd finally gain the victory, but he was mistaken. Christ disarmed him through the cross, rendering him powerless (see Colossians 2:13-15). Worse for Satan, Christ's resurrection also meant that all who follow Him will be seated with Him in the heavenly realms, and will have the Holy Spirit dwelling in them on earth (see Ephesians 2:6).
Christ's earthly life, death and resurrection appeared to be a loss for those who do not understand. For those who are being saved, it's the power of salvation from God.
2. David's escape
Young David, before becoming king of Israel, needed to run away for His life. Apparently, we all think of running away as defeat, but for David's situation it was actually what was needed.
While running away, David became the captain of the broken (see 1 Samuel 22:2). He was able to gain favour with men because of God, and more than that, his life was spared from Saul's attempts to kill him (see 1 Samuel 18:11, 19:10, 20:33).
His decision to refrain from killing Saul is remembered to this day (see 1 Samuel 24). He has proven that he had no ill intention towards Saul and the throne, and was thus proven innocent.
3. The kernel of wheat
The Lord Jesus said that unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it will by no means produce fruit (see John 12:24). This is not just a metaphor, but a truth to live by.
We all need to die to ourselves and to sin so that God can produce in us fruits unto Godliness. We all need to die to our flesh so that the Spirit will be given more room to produce His fruits in us (see Romans 8:1-17; Galatians 5:16-26).
