But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world. 1 John 4:4
From victim to victory!
I think it would be safe to say that every person alive has been a victim of some sort. Sometimes we are victims of our own mistakes. Other times we are victims of others poor choices. Occasionally we are just victims of circumstances.
When I was first diagnosed with breast cancer, I felt like a victim. I was only 40 years old when I was told that I had this aggressive, deadly cancer growing in my body. After all, breast cancer only happens to older women, or so I thought. I was frustrated because I was following the advice of the experts on how lower cancer risks: exercise, nutrition, non-smoker, nursed my children, etc. I especially felt victimized when I had to have my breast removed. How can modern medicine be so advanced and yet, we still have to endure such barbaric treatment for cancer? (Now, don’t get me wrong here, I am thankful for all my treatment choices and would still make the same choices, but just saying...)
So, while I may have felt like a victim for a little bit…I knew that I didn’t want to stay stuck in the victim role. You see, before I was diagnosed, I knew that through Christ I had victory! I know how the story ends!! Because of this knowledge I prayed with confidence for strength from the Lord. I specifically prayed that God wouldn’t let me get bitter. Oh, it would have been so easy to have a big ol’ pitty party…but I held true to the promise of our Lord from Jeremiah 29: 11—“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” I haven’t been promised a physical healing, but I have received victory with a spiritual healing!
If you have time, I would encourage you to hop over to my friend Elayne’s inspirational blog post on Victory at Running to Recovery !
For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith.
1 John 5:4
4 comments:
Wonderful words on Victory in The Lord Kim! Thanks also for including my post in yours :)
It was God's promises that helped me get through my own cancer diagnosis, that gave me spiritual victory instead of falling into a pit of despair. Jer 29:11 was one I used often.
So glad the vision of Victory kept (and keeps) your hope alive.
Wonderful post! I'm so glad I found your blog! I'm stopping by from the A to Z challenge and I look forward to visiting again.
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