As we head into the New Year many people make New Year resolutions. Maybe you have as well. If so, I would like to encourage you to have “Nike” in your new year.

When we see the word Nike, most of us immediately think of the shoe company. When I say to have “Nike” in your new year, I am not suggesting that you have new shoes in your new year.

The word “Nike” is actually a Greek word which means “victory.” I hope everyone begins to experience victory in this new year. I hope this year will be a victorious year for all of us.

However, before we can have victory, we must know the source of victory.

In the latter part of I Corinthians chapter 15, Paul discusses how we can have victory over death. In verse 57, Paul writes: “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Jesus Christ is the source of all victory.

In I John chapter 5, John tells us how we can overcome the world. He writes, “Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.” Again, Jesus Christ is the source of victory.

Jesus told his disciples in John chapter 16 that in this life they would have troubles, but he also told them to “be of good cheer.” Isn’t Jesus also saying the same thing to us today?

Why should we be cheerful when we go through hard times? Why should we be positive when we experience the difficulties of life? It is because Jesus told us to be of good cheer because He has already overcome the world!

The great news is that we too can overcome because that same Jesus is living inside of each believer, and it’s His spirit that will give us victory! His strength will cause us to triumph!

I hope this new year will be a great one for you. I also hope that this year, you will draw closer to Christ and rely upon Him and His strength.

Only, He can give us “Nike” or “Victory” this year.

Greg Matney is pastor of Salt and Light Worship Center in Ashland, Ky.