I want you to stop and think about a recent crisis moment you’ve had. What happened? A crisis moment is where things change. Your path goes one way – or another. This is the exact moment you decide if you will be a “victim” or “victor!” So, which are you?
To better understand this content, let’s begin with dictionary definitions for victim:
Now, definitions for victor:
Still, the question remains – “victim” or “victor!” Which are you?
Millions of people have wrestled with this juxtaposition through centuries. “Am I a victim, or victor?” There have been plenty of answers – some of them quite pathetic, while others rather brilliant. I find the most credible answer straight from Scripture.
Because God is compassionate and solution-oriented, He wants you to succeed with a “victorious” life. Let’s explore God’s help in this material.
Receiving God’s help starts with your honest evaluation. In your daily details, how do you mark yourself – victim or victor? By this, I mean trusting God for everything –
Those life realities force choices. All people live on a human plain where It’s Your Move. How do you typically make your move? Do you have hope for a good path?
Just as it helps to take a step back and logically engage facts when solving a problem, it helps to take a step back and look at words. Sometimes, even helpful word games give you an “edge” in perspective. Often, little gimmicks can help you remember action steps better.
Here’s an example of a word game with “victim” and “victor.”
The words start identically with “vict,” right? But look at the ending of each word. That’s where the difference shows. And this difference sets a completely different path in front of you. The question is – will “vict” end in “IM” or “OR” for you? It’s your decision.
Let’s start with “IM.”
“IM”Notice that “I” is central in IM. However, when the focus is on “I,” that’s when the trouble begins. Some folks think if you “look inside yourself, identify your process and feelings, take care of you, and express what you think” – you’ll get your answers.
Although I think there’s value in those endeavors (I am a counselor!), I disagree with the focus on self (“I”) as a place for healthy answers.
Keeping “self” in your focus is a sure path to destruction. God wants you to succeed. He says, ” ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’ ” (Jer. 29:11 – a favorite of many Jesus followers.)
God wants you to know you are very important to Him. He also says, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” (Jer. 31:3) So, in your crisis moments, God is with you.
BUT –
Focus matters! It’s a main point in a recent article – A Calm Strength. Here’s a quote from it:
“Self-focus is endless struggle in life . . . While self-focus is an unhealthy life power, God-focus is a continual, bountiful supply that changes everything: you, the other guy, nations, and the world. Instead of taking up self-focus, take up God-focus.“
When you put “I” in the center of things, you do eventually become a VictIM.
You don’t have to be locked into “IM.” Why? Because you can choose to either live for yourself – OR – you can live for God. This shift from self to Him is exactly what makes the difference between “victim” and “victor.” This slight shift of ending letters is simple, yet critical. It changes everything!
Instead of focus on “I,” shift your focus to “I AM!” Just a tweek of letters and capitalization makes all the difference in the world! No longer do you need to worry about yourself. God will take care of you. Answers come when you – ” . . . cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” (1 Pet. 5:7)
God wants His people to get rid of energy-sucking practices of looking inward. He wants you to look to Him.
Consequently, this little word game is yielding some value. God-focus changes things:
. . . TO . . .
Being encouraged and empowered to live a healthy life.
When you put “I AM” (one of God’s names) in the center of things, you become a VictOR.
When you adopt this perspective, BIG THINGS change – a little each day . . . yet – in a big way. You are transformed from victIM into victOR as you focus on God instead of self. Trusting yourself to God – who loves you with everlasting love – means you choose to see crisis moments differently.
“But You, God, see the trouble of the afflicted; You consider their grief and take it in hand. The victims commit themselves to You – the Helper of the fatherless.” (Ps. 10:14) After applying the promise of this verse, you are transformed from a Victim to a Victor.
Juxtaposition
We’ve explored that people compare and contrast “victim” or “victor” – often without thinking. Then they apply either healthy or unhealthy (dysfunctional) choices.
But what we haven’t looked at yet is the second definition of juxtaposition. “The state of being close together or side by side.”
Consequently, this definition is a key to flipping from “victim” to “victor.” Simply put – to partner with God by being close to Him side by side in faith is a launch into success. This puts you on the path God intended for your life. It’s why Jesus became your human “connect point” to God. Jesus is the side-by-side that brings you close to God.
Explore how to connect with God in daily situations (even if you’re a seasoned Jesus follower):
I leave you with a Chuck Swindoll quote. “We are all faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as impossible situations.” So, think about “great opportunities brilliantly disguised as impossible situations” in your crisis moments. You can go one way – or the other.
For practical help and strategies in crisis moments, check out It’s Your Move.
For action steps and encouragement to study God’s Word, check out How To Effectively Get Into God’s Word: Even With A Super Busy Life.
Visit our website for devotional materials, articles, podcasts, and resources to help grow your faith in God. Pursue noble character and an Alive and Active Life.
Lord is Before Savior Most followers of Jesus have heard the dignified title “Savior and Lord.” I would like to suggest something about this...
I remember a season a couple decades ago when I felt things were falling apart. By that time in my life, I’d already noticed...
To be without hope is discouraging – even exhausting. Equally, a message of hope is such welcome news. Perhaps you need that right now....
Picture by Desiring God