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Not A Victim

 


No fair. Woe is me. I didn’t deserve that. My cries of self pity are just as painful as the situation that caused them. They double the pain and invite hopelessness to settle in, just when I need hope most. But I’m learning a profound truth— in Christ I am never a victim and suffering always has a deeper purpose, growing my faith and helping me to be conformed to His image. This is one reason the Lord calls me to lay down my life, to take up my cross and follow Him. Doing this, laying down my life, guards my heart against self pity. Now when some trial happens to me, no matter how weighty, I can say like Christ, “no one takes my life from me, but I lay it down (John 10:18).” How better to reflect His image? 


Lord, thank you for Your example of laying down your life. Help me to remember that when I follow this example, I am no longer a victim to anything or anyone. Amen. 

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