Gratitude, Obedience, and the Strategy for Lasting Victory

VLN Dinner

Gratitude is more than a feeling—it’s a weapon. It is the antidote to bitterness and the fuel for generosity. When gratitude governs our hearts, selfishness loses its grip, and with it the “every evil work” that selfishness produces. A grateful heart stays soft, teachable, and aligned with God’s purposes.

True victory doesn’t come from following popular opinion or charismatic personalities. As Ashley Daugherty said, don’t be led by popular opinion. Allegiance to personality will always fail, but allegiance to God never does. Obedience to God is actually low risk and high reward. The risk may be that people walk away, but the reward is far greater: pleasing God Himself. That is success.

This requires a shift in perspective. There are seasons when God gives a new assignment, and the old is gone. Scripture reminds us to forget the former things. We cannot face today’s calling with yesterday’s mindset. People don’t need comfort—they need truth. And when we walk in obedience, God promises that no one will be able to stand against us.

But there are obstacles. A critical spirit, a defeated attitude, or a bitter heart will stop progress. It’s hard to take ground when you’re constantly taking offense. Victory begins with vision—seeing what God wants to give you and seeing yourself the way your Father sees you. Without vision, people perish.

Then comes action. Say it—because life and death are in the tongue. Stop it—cut off what feeds the flesh. Start it—step forward in faith. Stick with it—because consistency brings breakthrough. Don’t stop at six; finish the task.

Stay surrendered to God, stay surrounded by Him, and walk in continual victory.