Victim or Victor?

I have observed two categories of people that have suffered at the hands of injustice, misfortune, abuse, or  some deep wound in life: Victim and Victor. At first glance there is little difference in these two words-only two small letters that follow the t.

Let me start by saying I am deeply sensitive to those who have been wounded by life and the evil that comes with a fallen world and sinful people. In no way do I support the heartless call to "get over it" that some people flippantly say, usually those with no empathy for the wounded. But what makes one person able to overcome the most atrocious grievance and another stuck in bitterness, anger, depression, or a host of other life robbing prisons?

I had the privilege recently to hear Stephanie Fast, author of the book She Is Mine, speak about her horrendous experiences as an orphan in South Korea, beginning at the age of 4. Her memories were clear about the day her mother put her on a train by herself, never to return. The average human being can't remember anything at that age. For the next few years, she had to steal food from the farmers just to stay alive, sleep under anything that would provide protection, and find her own way in life at an age when most children are coloring with momma or playing dress up tea party with friends.

Left for dead in a trash dumpster after living on the streets, she was providently discovered by a World Vision nurse, placed in an orphanage, and adopted at the age of 9 by a couple that heard the voice of God say, "that one". Unfortunately, she had already suffered two near death experiences, starvation, repeated sexual abuse, and more than the average human can even comprehend. The interesting thing about her testimony was not how horrible her early childhood had been, but how strong the Spirit of God was upon her, pouring from her eyes and the words of hope she shared. As she poured out hope to the audience, I was reminded of the words of Corrie Ten Boom, "there is no pit so deep that God is not deeper still." Which brings me back to the question, why do some people remain a victim their whole life, living under the weight of the grievance committed against them, and others are able to overcome and go on to become incredible men and/women of great achievement and impact for the kingdom of God?

I believe the answer lies with a single letter found in the two words mentioned earlier, victim and victor: it's found in the t. What a person does with the t determines his/her finish in life, It determines the future of the injured person. Better stated, its what we do with the cross that determines what type of person we will be: Victim, or Victor. You see, God will not allow us to remain wounded when we come to Him with our whole being. He is in the restoration business. Our only obstacle is willingness. If we are willing and courageous enough to face our past with HIM, we will become VICTORS!

"He holds VICTORY in store for the upright, he is a shield for those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones." Proverbs 2:7-8.

"....for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the VICTORY that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the son of God." I John 5:4-5