Are We Victims?
6/27/2023
Written By: Frieda Dowler
“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” Rom. 8:28 NLT.
Each of us has had things happen in our lives that we didn’t choose. We’ve had a breakup in a relationship, been fired from a job, tragically lost a loved one, received bad news about our health, had a life altering incident, been taken advantage of seriously, been scammed, and the list is endless. In our culture, we call it being a victim.
Truth is, there are many things in this life that we don’t choose. Sometimes things in life just happen that we can’t control. When these things happen, we are likely to put blame on others, circumstances, or the universe. We might even get mad at God. Sometimes people lose their faith when bad things happen. It’s hard to just let go of it. What are we supposed to do when prayers for justice aren’t answered in the way we hope?
Try a New Perspective
“…In this world you will have trouble: but take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
If your victimization stems from circumstances, realize life isn’t fair. Even Jesus says so. Try viewing the situation from a Biblical perspective rather than a cultural perspective. When we become disciples of Jesus, he teaches us to think in new ways.
We live in a fallen world. This is not paradise. Humanity gave up the privilege of living in paradise because of Eve and Adam. Living in this world is not struggle free. Bad things are going to happen. When Jesus says it, we know it is the truth.
But when we become followers of Jesus, He provides a way through our circumstances. The nation of Israel is an example.
The Israelites were God’s people, but they became enslaved in Egypt with no choice of their own. Pharaoh, the Egyptian ruler, made them do hard work to improve his kingdom. His minions abused their authority. The Israelites became oppressed, and it crushed them.
They were victims until God heard their cries about the unfair circumstances. He sent them a rescuer named Moses who asked for their freedom. Pharaoh eventually let the Israelites leave. Then he became angry, changed his mind, and ordered his minions to pursue them.
Up against a large body of water, the Israelites saw no way to escape. But God provided a way through their circumstances by parting the water so the Israelites could pass through on dry land. That began the journey to their promised land.
As a comparison, humanity has become a slave to the culture (like Egypt) that Satan (like Pharaoh) dominates. His minions (fallen angels) abuse their authority. Humanity is oppressed and crushed. God hears the cries and has already sent a rescuer named Jesus. When we believe Jesus is our rescuer, it stirs anger in God’s enemy, Satan.
Up against our circumstances, when we see no way to escape, God provides a way, just like He did for the Egyptians. When we don’t see a way to end our oppression, God does. But we have a part in this too. Remain vigilant as God’s people. Don’t cave into the oppression of the enemy. Continue hoping God hears our cries and will help us to a better place.
Forgive Others
“…when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” Mk. 11:25
If your victimization stems from another person, it’s important to forgive. Jesus tells us how important this is. To realize God will only forgive us if we forgive others is powerful.
Face what happened
“We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.” I Jn. 5:19 NIV.
We can’t change what happened, but to face it is the first step toward healing. We didn’t choose what happened, but we can choose how to deal with what’s happened. Victimization wounds our soul but leaves scars. The scar is a reminder of the wound, but scars don’t hurt. Wounds do. If it still hurts, you still need time to heal. Some wounds are deeper than others and take more time. But we must believe it will heal, with time and God’s help, and continue to press toward healing.
Trust God
“But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,” Gal. 5:22 NIV.
It’s our circumstances that cause our faith to develop. If we didn’t have bad things happen to us, we wouldn’t need God, and we wouldn’t develop the fruit of a spirit filled life. It’s because of our circumstances that we prove God’s word to be true. When we seek Biblical answers, the truth is sometimes hard to swallow, but it always brings us closer to God, and we become more like Jesus.
Despite the things in this life that we don’t control, we can control ourselves by choosing to live according to Biblical principles. Charles Swindoll said it like this: “Life is 10% of what happens to you and 90% of how you react.” God has made us as spirit creatures with overcoming ability.