Are you a victim? Do you have a victim’s mentality? Just because ‘things’ aren’t going your way doesn’t make you a victim. And just because you experience harsh times in your life doesn’t make you a victim. Perhaps you say that it isn’t your fault that (fill in the blank with your excuse/reason about why whatever happened/is) but this still doesn’t make you a victim. Besides, is that how you want to view yourself or have others see you?
Part of Webster’s definition of victim is: one who suffers some loss. However, the loss may be real or imaginary, regardless – the sufferer experiences loss. Being a victim, I believe, is as much a mindset as a reality. I have a friend who believes that if something ‘bad’ is going to happen, it will happen to her. And it typically does. I don’t know if this is a self fulfilling prophecy problem or if she simply places herself, knowingly or unknowingly, in harm’s way. However, your perception is what you believe so… if you’re a victim, what do you do?
My suggestion is that you reconsider who you are. I believe you need a different perspective. There is no reason for you to live a victim-life and you are not a victim of your life. If you are a Christian, which is the first step, you need to steep yourself in scripture to discover who you are and what’s available to you now that you are part of the family of God. It is impossible to know and believe in the following scriptures and be a victim at the same time.
There are many scriptures you can stand on to fight against what you are facing. Remember, you do have an enemy whose purpose is to defeat you (John 10:10). However you also have weapons (2Corinthians 10:4-5) designed to defeat anything that comes against you. While there are many scriptures you can use for your defense, there are 3 that are easy to recall. One is: “If God be for me who can stand against me?” (Romans 8:31) Second: “No weapon formed against you can prosper.” (Isaiah 54:17) and third: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)
It is impossible to view yourself as a victim and believe in those 3 scriptures at the same time. You can act as an overcomer when you choose to change your perception from defeated to victorious. Remember: “A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all.” (Psalms 34:19)
