Victims: January 7, 2014

TODAY’S WORD FOR TUESDAY JANUARY 7, 2014

VICTIMS

DEFINITION:

Sufferer; martyr; a person who suffers from a destructive or injurious action.

SCRIPTURE:

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

Many families today feel they are “victims” of their environment or culture. And in many cases they are. Children feel to be a “victim” when a friend has something they desire and their family cannot afford to give them what they want. Parents feel that they are “victims” when they do not have enough money to pay the rent or buy some food for the family.

God knows that the Christian life is not easy. Many times, we are certain, you have felt you have been the victim of a situation. When you received the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior, He set you on a course. He mapped out all the bumps, turns, detours, hills, and valleys. He knew all the difficulties you would face. He knew long ago when you would become the victim of some situation.

He also knew when you would clash with the world, the flesh, and the devil. But the good news is that He did not just set you on a path hoping you would survive. He sent the Holy Spirit to indwell you, guide you, and encourage you. With the Holy Spirit, if you communicate and listen to Him, He will remind you of God’s faithfulness and power and you can remain faithful to Him through every situation you face.

When the going gets tough, and it will, you can’t run away. You can’t quit. It is important for us to understand that the longer we faithfully obey the Lord, regardless of the circumstances, the stronger our faith becomes. We will become stronger and steadfast. Do not quit but persevere through all situations. You need not feel that you are the victim. You are a child of God who loves you, cares for you and will take you through every difficulty you face in life.

God chose Jeremiah to urge God’s people in Judah to turn from their sins and to return to God. Jeremiah preached and preached but no one listened. By the world’s standards he was a failure. He was persecuted, His life was threatened, He stood all alone, a victim of his circumstances. In Jeremiah 1:8 we read God’s promise to Jeremiah: “Do not be afraid of them for I am with you to deliver you.” God does not keep us from encountering conflict with the world but He has promised to be with us and deliver us from those who victimize us because we serve the Lord.

Take a moment today and read through the eleventh chapter of Hebrews where there is listed what some call God’s Hall of Fame. All of these people endured some of life’s toughest situations. But they kept firm in their faith, not allowing themselves to become victims, and God took them through whatever they face.

You are not alone; your sovereign Lord is with you in every situation just as He was with Abraham, Moses, Joshua, David and so many others. Call on Him today to infuse you with His power and wisdom and then obey anything He calls you to do. You are not a victim of your circumstances because the Lord will use everything that happens to you for your blessing and His glory.

LEARNING:

Our memory verse for this week is found in John 15:9.

As the Father loved me, I also have loved you; abide in My love.

PRAYER:

Help me today to understand that I am not a victim when I face serious situations in my life. I call on You today to infuse me with Your power and wisdom. I commit to you that I will obey when You call. Help my family to understand that they as well do not need to be victims. Thank You for Your promise to deliver us and to give us the victory.