First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.

~Matthew 5:23-24 ESV

The devil would love nothing more than to keep us stagnant and sitting on the bench. He knows in embracing victory of Jesus’ work on the cross in its entirety—both forgiveness and healing—we will be unstoppable.

His strategy entails keeping us chained to the past by the guilt of our sin. Therefore, he keeps us as victims who are ineffective warriors and whose lack of forgiveness will delay God’s blessings.

We all sustain wounds in this life. No one is spared. But there is a difference between passing through victimhood on our way to the future and putting down roots to become a full-time resident there. The enemy loves victims. Every minute we spend licking our wounds on the sidelines is one less minute we wear the whole armor of God.

Victims pose no threat to the enemy. Victors do. Read that again.

Our past should refine us, not constrain or define us. Additionally, we should not allow bitterness to steal our future and hope and stay the hand of God’s blessing.

We cannot share God’s victories and remain a victim. Only by forgiving and releasing the offender can we exchange the title of victim for victor.

If we want God’s blessings, we must stop rehearsing the wrongs done to us, and, through forgiveness, unshackle ourselves from the wounds of the past.

Our freedom and blessing should also be independent of our offender’s apology. We pattern ourselves after Christ Jesus, who joyfully forgave our sins, even before we were sorry. Then He ascended to take His seat at the right hand of the Father.

Forgiveness is a choice, not a feeling. Ask the Father to help you forgive yourself and others.

Merciful Father, I want to take hold of the future and hope You have for me. Help me to forgive and let go of the past. And in embracing victory, may I be unshackled from my victimhood to take hold to the joy reserved for victors. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

Genre: Non-fiction

Vinewords: Devotions and More: Embracing Victory: Julie Souza Bradley Lilly: All Rights Reserved