Life brings all of us to crossroads where we must decide whether to live as victims of our past or victors through Christ. Every one of us has faced disappointment, betrayal or failure. But our response to those moments determines our direction. The truth is simple yet powerful—through Jesus Christ, we can rise above whatever has tried to hold us down.
Think about the great men and women of the Bible. Moses killed a man in anger, David committed terrible sins that brought shame to his family, Peter denied the Lord and Paul once persecuted the very church he would later die for. Yet not one of these stories ends in defeat. Why? Because God’s grace is greater than man’s guilt. Their pasts were painful, but they refused to be imprisoned by them. Instead, they allowed God to use their broken pieces to build something beautiful. The same is true for you and me. We don’t have to live chained to what was—we can live changed by what is: God’s redeeming grace.
First, we must recognize the reality of our past. Pretending our pain doesn’t exist doesn’t bring healing—it only buries it deeper. Moses had to face his failure before he could lead Israel. David had to confess his sin before he could sing again. A victim mentality says, “I’ll never get past this.” But a victorious mindset says, “With God’s help, I will not stay here.” Admitting the truth about our past is not weakness— it’s the first step toward freedom.
Second, we must release the resentment of our past. Bitterness is like carrying a bag of stones everywhere you go. It doesn’t hurt the person who wronged you; it only weighs you down. Joseph in the Old Testament had every reason to be bitter—betrayed by his brothers, falsely accused, and forgotten in prison. Yet when he stood before those same brothers years later, he said, “Ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good.” (Genesis 50:20). Joseph chose forgiveness over fury. He refused to be a victim of resentment and instead became a vessel of redemption. If you want victory, you must let go of what’s been holding you.
Third, we must remember the reason for our pain. Trials are never wasted when placed in the hands of God. The very thing that tried to break you may be what God uses to bless you. Paul said, “Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57). Every scar tells a story of grace. Every setback becomes a setup for God’s greater plan. Instead of asking, “Why me?” start asking, “What now?” The victim sees pain as punishment; the victor sees it as preparation.
Finally, we must rely on the Redeemer for our power. True victory isn’t found in self-help but in the Savior’s help. The same Jesus who conquered the grave can conquer your guilt, grief or gloom. You don’t have to be defined by your mistakes when you can be refined by His mercy. Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Victory begins when we stop fighting in our own strength and start trusting in His.
Friend, you can’t always change what’s happened to you—but you can choose what happens next. You can either be a prisoner of the past or a participant in God’s purpose. The past is a place of reference, not residence. Let go of what God has already forgiven. Don’t let your failures define you. Don’t let what’s behind you rob you of what’s before you. Jesus didn’t come to make us victims of our history but victors through His victory on the cross.
So today, decide which you’ll be—victim or victor. The choice is yours, but the power is His.
One last note: Recently, several people have shared kind words with me about my column in The Blackshear Times. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. If I can ever minister to you in any way, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me.
Jimmy Barrett is a resident of Blackshear and pastor of Southside Baptist Church in Waycross.
