What Defines Me?
What Defines Me?
Victim or Victor
I recently had a conversation where I learned a bit more of the history of two of my great-grandmothers. Both of these ladies suffered immensely; yet, what they are remembered for is their unwavering faith. They allowed sustaining grace to define them not their heartbreaking circumstances. They remembered their because of.
I've repeatedly stated that I hate hard and expect life on earth to be Heaven. I have allowed satan to shift my focus to my situations rather than my Savior. I have succumbed to a victim mentality rather than living in the victory won at resurrection!
Defined by "Victim":
- This situation is impossible - I can't figure it out
- I've been reading my Bible and praying, I don’t deserve this
- “Share” the situations with others so they become members of “Team Poor Michele”
- I can’t see You in this mess, God
Defined by "Victor":
2 Corinthians 4:15
All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.
This hard, this difficult is happening so that others may see God's grace.
2 Corinthians 4:17
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.
There is purpose in the pain.
2 Corinthians 4:18
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
When it seems like God isn't there - HE IS - working things for our good - in His perfect way and His time. We often don't understand, but we can trust Abba even when it does not make sense.
Please know that there are reasons to grieve, Jesus did. There will be seasons when life becomes overwhelming and seemingly impossible. Your feelings are real and validated. In your heartache, approach the throne of grace and receive the mercy God so abundantly wants to give.
Confide in trusted friends who encourage holy lamenting and not promote unhealthy languishing. You will quickly know who points you to Jesus and who pushes you into pits of despair.
I write this not from a place of having it all figured out - I write from a place of no longer wanting to be defined by my circumstances. I want to take whatever I may be feeling, lay it at the foot of the cross, and allow sweet, sufficient grace to cover me. I no longer want to be defined by circumstances, I want to be defined by the power of the crucifixion.
Friends, satan wants us to think it's over, we're defeated, this is it. But in the words of my campus minister, "That's a lie from the pit of hell!" I don't know about you, but I am tired of living a lie!
Here's a TRUTH you can trust:
2 Corinthians 4:16
Therefore we do not become discouraged [spiritless, disappointed, or afraid]. Though our outer self is [progressively] wasting away, yet our inner self is being [progressively] renewed day by day.
Little by little God is using our anguishing tough to shape and mold us for His glory. It doesn't happen overnight, but praise God it does happen - progressively.
God, I've allowed difficult to define me. Stretch my faith; stretch my trust. In my anger, my hurt, my devastation, may I run to Your outstretched arms and Your
sufficient grace ~
Blogger's Note: I will not be posting on social media. If these words in any way have touched your heart, please share with a friend.
Very well said. And so needed. Thank you.
Holy Lament vs Unhealthy Languishing. Whoa. So good!!