“But don’t be upset, and don’t be angry with yourselves for selling me to this place. It was God who sent me here ahead of you to preserve your lives.” Genesis 45:5 (NLT)
The minute we let our experiences guide our beliefs instead of Biblical doctrine, we begin developing deadly misbeliefs.
For example, thinking of yourself as a victim is a misbelief with destructive consequences. That’s why how you look at yourself in light of challenging circumstances is crucial.
Years ago, I read a story about a lady who was unfairly incarcerated and suffered untold atrocities in a communist prison for years. After her release, an American psychologist interviewed her. “So, you were a victim of this regime…” he began. She abruptly cut him off and declared, “I am not a victim—I am a survivor!” What a powerful mindset!
Now, she was victimized, but she refused to adopt that mentality. She understood that if you believe that your skin colour, language or circumstances determine how your life will play out, that misbelief will work from the inside out to destroy you, your dreams and your future.
According to Genesis 37 and 39, Joseph knew a thing or two about being a victim. He was sold into slavery by his brothers, falsely accused of rape and jailed for years. Although I’m sure it wasn’t easy, he made the best of unfair circumstances and evil agendas—and rose from the gutter to become the governor of Egypt.
Despite all he endured, Joseph didn’t see himself as a victim. He saw his life through the bigger lens of God’s plans. That viewpoint made all the difference and kept him positive through hardship. Are there any areas in your life where your self-image could use adjusting?
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