When Victory Becomes a Test
An abstract of TBC Lead Pastor Connor Kraus’ sermon on February 15, 2026, in the Book of Judges series. Watch the sermon video here.
You know that moment when everything finally clicks? The promotion comes through. The relationship improves. The hard season ends. We naturally think, "Finally, I can breathe." But here's what we don't talk about enough: those good seasons can be some of the most spiritually dangerous times of our lives.
Gideon's story shows us exactly how this happens.
The Victory God Gave
When we pick up Gideon's story in Judges 7, God does something nobody expects. He tells Gideon his army is too big. Way too big. God whittles down Israel's forces from thousands to just 300 men. Why? So that when victory comes, nobody can claim they did it themselves.
And the victory is total. The Midianites—this massive, oppressive force—defeat themselves in confusion. Not a single Israelite soldier has to draw their sword. It's undeniably, obviously God's work.
This should be the end of Gideon's story. Mission accomplished. Victory secured. Credits roll.
But it's not.
When Success Changes Everything
Chapter 8 tells a different story. Gideon crosses the Jordan River with his exhausted troops, pursuing a personal vendetta. He punishes fellow Israelites who don't help him. He executes prisoners to avenge his brothers' deaths. He's no longer the humble guy threshing wheat in a winepress, terrified and dependent on God.
Victory has changed him.
When his countrymen offer to make him king, Gideon gives the right answer publicly: "The Lord will rule over you." But privately? He names his son Abimelech—which means "my father is king." He creates a religious object that leads all of Israel into idolatry. Right back to the very thing he tore down at the start of his journey.
The man who needed constant reassurance from God now acts like he doesn't need God's input at all.
Why Good Times Can Be Dangerous Times
Here's the pattern many of us know too well: Crisis drives us to prayer. Hardship pushes us into Scripture. Difficulty makes us desperate for church community. But when things improve? Prayer becomes sporadic. Bible reading drops off. Church attendance becomes optional.
We don't plan this. It just happens.
Success whispers lies to us: "You've got this handled." "You've earned this." "You don't need help anymore." Before we know it, we're functioning like we're self-sufficient—even if we'd never say that out loud.
Three Ways to Handle Victory Well
Build consistency beyond emotion. Your relationship with God can't depend on how you feel or what you're facing. Prayer, Scripture, confession, worship—these need to be habits that hold steady whether you're in the valley or on the mountaintop. Dig the well deep during times of blessing so you can draw water during times of drought.
Remember whose victory it is. When people praise your success, what happens in your heart? Do you quietly reserve some of that glory for yourself? Every ability, every opportunity, every blessing comes from God. The greater your success, the more obvious His hand should be in it. Practice praise both publicly and privately—especially privately, where nobody's watching.
Bring accountability back in. Success changes us. It makes us less willing to accept feedback, less aware of our limits, less dependent on others. If the victories in your life have started changing your personality, your behavior, or your humility, that's a warning sign. Stay connected to people who will tell you the truth, even when it's uncomfortable.
The Victory That Changes Everything
Here's the most important thing: The greatest victory of your life is one you absolutely cannot accomplish on your own. Victory over sin and death through Jesus Christ is entirely God's work. You can't earn it, manufacture it, or take credit for it.
If you struggle to see that victory as God's gift, you'll struggle to see any blessing in your life as coming from Him.
The same God who brought Jesus to the cross is the one who brings good things into your life. But you have to be careful that your heart stays aligned with the truth: He is King. Not you. Not your achievements. Not your abilities.
When Things Are Going Well
If you're in a season right now where life is good, praise God. Genuinely. But also be careful. Let this be a season where you draw deeper into worship, not drift away from it. Use this time to give God all the praise He deserves.
Don't reserve any of it for yourself.
Because the test of victory is just as real as the test of hardship. And how you handle success reveals just as much about your faith as how you handle struggle.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you're looking for a church community that will help you grow through both the valleys and the mountaintops of life, we'd love to meet you. At Topeka Bible Church, we're committed to helping people discover life in Christ, connect in community, and serve others.
We can't wait to welcome you this Sunday at 9:00 or 10:30 AM! Plan a visit today.