Tuesday, October 17, 2017

{ Victim or Victor }

We all know somebody who just seems to be able to take everything that happens to them in stride, whether it be good or bad. But if those who seem to have it all together would be perfectly honest, they'd admit that they have their moments, too, when they struggle with whatever situation they're in. I'm pretty transparent, so it's difficult for me to hide when I'm going through a rough patch. Because of a situation in my own life that's been ongoing for almost a year now I signed up for the current Ladies Bible study at church that focuses on JOY.....

something I felt I could use more of!

The study is by Margaret Feinberg and is called Fight Back With Joy
(click on the title to purchase it on Amazon

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I wanted to share with y'all this portion of our lesson for today that gives tips to break out of the mentality of being a victim. A few of these are uh-oh's for me.  Anything you read in parenthesis are my own emphasis.

1.  Avoid the Blame Game

Take responsibility for yourself and your behavior.
You don't get to choose the situation, 
but you do get to choose your response.
What are you doing to seek healing and wholeness?

2.  Pay Attention To Your Words

(these are my words, not hers....be SLOW TO SPEAK, like I've talked about in a post here )

Psalm 141:3
Take control of what I say, O Lord,
and guard my lips.

3.  Choose Forgiveness

Whether you've been wronged or committed the wrong,
moving forward requires forgiveness.
You may not have the strength to forgive yourself and others,
but God does.

4.  Wrestle With God

(this is based on the story of Jacob - Genesis 32:26)

When you find yourself in the dark and overpowered (this, to me, is a description of depression or feeling overwhelmed by your circumstances), wrestle with God until you embrace Him more deeply. Ask God to reveal Himself in the midst of difficulty.

5.  Ground Yourself In The Gospels

Jesus had every reason to become a victim yet He lived as a victor. 
(use His life as an example)


6.  Abound In Thanks

Remember how blessed your life is compared to people around the globe.  
Instead of thinking,
"I'm the only one",
remember the millions around the globe who are suffering.
Gratitude will change your perspective from what has been taken from you to all God has given you.

I'm in HOPE's that some of these suggestions might be helpful to somebody else reading this.



Have an awesome Tuesday, Friends!






11 comments:

  1. Oh, this is so powerful and good today. Thank you for sharing it with us. I am getting ready to go to our "Lovely Ladies of the Lord" Bible fellowship this morning, and I may share some of this with them. I hope you don't mind. Praying for YOU today, that God will bring such JOY to your heart...overflowing...abundant...and full. I pray He will lift you up in the midst of your circumstances and give you grace, peace, joy and hope. Praying for you now in Jesus' Name, Amen. Love you dear friend.

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  2. That is a message for surviving everyday. What a great study, Deb. Have a beautiful day, friend.

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  3. Thanking you for this post, thinking of you, and praying that the day will be good for you.

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  4. Using joy as a weapon of warfare resonates with me..The joy of the Lord is our strength! Thanks for sharing Deb. Lifting you up in prayers.

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  5. It is amazing how God is using you to reach out to others.
    God love you for posting these inspirations for others.
    Sending you a bunch of hugs

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  6. This is excellent, Debbie, and will be a comfort to many. Thanks!!

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  7. Boy, did this hit home with me today! I've been living as a "victim" for a very long time, but the thought just hit me as I was reading your post: how many other people are going through even harder times than me ... but they don't have Jesus! Wow ... they don't depend on Him, pray to Him, thank Him, believe in Him ... and go through their hard times alone & desperate. I'm SO thankful that I have a Savior who loves me & cares for me & sustains me. God bless you all!

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  8. Sounds like a wonderfully practical study!

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  9. Great stuff Deb and awesome words of wisdom for us all. I appreciate you sharing. Hugs and blessings, Cindy

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  10. Healing words for a needy world including myself...thanks.

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Kind words are like honey—
sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.
Proverbs 16:24