“And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.” Romans 8:11 (NIV)
THE RESURRECTION STILL SPEAKS
The resurrection of Jesus is not a distant historical memory. It is the living, active power of God, working within every believer today. That same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead dwells in us, creating what can only be described as divine Remontadas — dramatic, Spirit-led comebacks from the pit of despair to the mountaintop of victory.
“Remontada” is a Spanish term that describes a stirring turnaround from defeat to triumph, especially in the realm of football. It’s more than just a comeback; it’s a breathtaking reversal that stuns the opponent and inspires generations.
FROM THE PITCH TO THE PULPIT: A SPIRITUAL PARALLEL
In the days leading up to and following the UEFA Champions League second leg clash on April 16, 2025, the term “Remontada” has been trending widely across social media platforms. The word resurfaced in conversations, news headlines, and football commentary, especially as fans anticipated another historic comeback from Real Madrid — the club famously nicknamed The Kings of Remontada for their legendary ability to turn impossible defeats into stunning victories.
For years, Real Madrid has built a legacy of clawing back from the brink, delivering dramatic turnarounds when all seemed lost. However, in this particular match, the expected narrative was disrupted. It was Arsenal, not Madrid, who pulled off the unexpected victory.
How did they do it? Not by leaning on reputation, but through improved tactics, unwavering focus, and disciplined execution under their manager’s leadership.
Therein lies a powerful spiritual truth: victory isn’t sustained by past glories, church titles, or spiritual resumes. It is achieved through fresh, living encounters with the resurrection power of Christ. Every generation and every believer must experience this power personally.
HISTORY’S GREATEST REMONTADA
The resurrection of Jesus is the ultimate Remontada. Betrayed by a friend, unjustly tried, beaten, crucified, and sealed in a tomb, Jesus appeared utterly defeated. His followers were crushed, scattered in fear and grief. But on the third day, everything changed. The stone was rolled away, and history pivoted.
Paul, in 1 Corinthians 15:55-57, cries out in triumph: “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
The resurrection wasn’t just Jesus’ victory — it opened the gates of victory to all who believe. Through Him, we are invited into divine turnarounds in every area of life: spiritually, emotionally, physically, and even relationally.
COMEBACK STORIES OF THE FIRST WITNESSES
The lives of Jesus’ followers were transformed after encountering the risen Lord. Take Peter, for example. Once broken by his triple denial, he was later restored by Jesus at the lakeside and emerged as the bold leader of the early church. On the day of Pentecost, he preached with fire, and three thousand souls were saved.
Thomas, once a symbol of doubt, became a man of bold confession. His simple, yet profound declaration in John 20:28 — “My Lord and my God!” — still resonates as one of the clearest affirmations of Christ’s divinity.
And then there was Paul. Once a violent persecutor of Christians, he met the risen Christ on the road to Damascus. That encounter turned his world upside down. He later penned these famous words in Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Each of these transformations was not just personal — they were divine Remontadas birthed from resurrection encounters.
THE SETBACK IS A SETUP
John C. Maxwell wisely said, “A setback is a setup for a comeback.” This principle is deeply embedded in the Christian faith. Life comes with detours, delays, and disappointments, but for the believer, the story never ends in failure.
Micah 7:8 gives voice to this hope: “Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light.”
The enemy may rejoice for a moment, but the power of the resurrection declares that the final word belongs to God. Defeat is temporary; resurrection is permanent.
Christine Caine puts it beautifully: “Sometimes when you’re in a dark place, you think you’ve been buried, but you’ve actually been planted.”
What the enemy meant for destruction, God uses as the seedbed for your destiny.
DAILY LIVING IN RESURRECTION POWER
Living in the after-effect of the resurrection means embracing daily renewal. It’s not about a one-time emotional high on Easter Sunday. It’s about waking up each morning with the awareness that the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead is alive in you — energizing your purpose, reviving your spirit, and empowering your journey.
It also means letting go of both past mistakes and past successes. God wants to do a new thing (Isaiah 43:19). Resurrection life is not bound to yesterday’s failures or achievements. It thrives in the now and prepares you for greater glory.
As A.W. Tozer insightfully wrote, “It is doubtful whether God can bless a man greatly until He has hurt him deeply.” That pain you endured? That disappointment that crushed your dreams? Those broken pieces? In God’s hands, they become the foundation for a greater testimony. Surrender invites resurrection power.
YOUR PERSONAL REMONTADA AWAITS
You may be reading this in a season where you feel buried — under pressure, under stress, or under shame. But take heart. If you belong to Christ, you are not buried; you are planted. The Spirit of resurrection is working within you, and your comeback is not only possible — it is promised. Jesus didn’t stay in the grave, and neither will you stay in that valley forever.
CONCLUSION: MORE THAN A STORY — A LIFESTYLE
Remontada isn’t just a word for sports commentary. It’s the heartbeat of the Christian life. It’s what happens when divine power invades human weakness. It’s how God rewrites our stories with redemptive glory.
The resurrection of Christ is not only a doctrinal truth to believe — it is a living force to experience. Whether you’re facing spiritual fatigue, emotional wounds, family struggles, or personal failure, know this: the same Spirit that raised Jesus is at work in you.
He is able to turn the tide, restore what was lost, and raise what was dead.
This is your Remontada.
This is the Resurrection Effect.
Written by Probationary Overseer Raphael Arkoh Dadson, Bakpaba District, Yendi Area
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