Assigning Blame: Good News by Vic Dove

“And we know that all things work together

for good to them that love God, to them who are called

according to His purpose.”

Romans 8:28

 

Would you agree that it seems we’re living in an age of victimization?  Nearly everyone claims to have been hurt by someone else. Victimization has become the prevailing mindset of most in today’s society.   It is true we are all affected by the choices of others.  It is literally impossible for someone to get through life without being hurt by someone else.  From family breakups and betrayal by friends to different kinds of abuse that can leave terrible emotional scars, it is clear to see how we could consider ourselves victims.

For the child of God, there is a way to move beyond the mindset of always being the victim. God offers us healing and deliverance from the pain of feeling victimized.  While it’s a very simple response simply to blame Satan for all of the pain and adversity in our lives, we must also come to grips with the teaching of Scripture that God is sovereign and Satan can only do what God allows him to do.

In my life, I have struggled with anger and unforgiveness against those I considered to be the ones who had mistreated me.   Soon, I began to shift my anger toward Satan as I realized he was the author of evil.  Then, as I studied the Scriptures, I came to realize that Satan could not have done anything to me without God’s permission.  Lastly, I ended up getting mad at God.  What a journey it has been!

God’s love for us is an agape love…a no strings no conditions kind of love. He clings to us as we go through a range of emotions such as I’ve described, even pointing our finger of blame at Him at weaker moments.  I am so thankful that God has helped me to move from anger to acceptance when it comes to His sovereignty.  Each situation of pain and victimization has proven to be an opportunity in which God has shown His power to deliver me, to heal me, and to use me in the lives of other people.  If He has allowed it in our lives, it is only because He desires to put us on display as a trophy of His grace for the entire world to see.  I guess I really am a victim – a victim of the wonderful grace of God.

As children of God, we must climb out of the hole of self-pity and anger, and put our trust in a sovereign and loving Father who never allows us to experience any adversity beyond His ability to prevail on our behalf.

Remember…all things work together for good for those that love God the Father…all things.

 

Shoulder to Shoulder

Bro. Vic