More Than Conquerors: Why Hopelessness Has No Place in the Believer’s Life
There seems to be a pull toward hopelessness in culture today. Society rewards the narrative of being a perpetual victim. It has infiltrated almost every group of people no matter how you want to dissect it. Minority communities are marginalized or passed over because of white privilege. Women are victims of the male patriarchy. Heternormative concepts push out those of a different persuasion. And after all of this, white males now claim to be victims of all other classes because of their race and gender and face relational burnout, societal pressure and even economic fatigue. The concept that you are a victim, no matter what your class, age or gender, and have no control over your future is what is termed by many as being “black-pilled”. It is a fatalistic belief that everything is broken and nothing is in your control so why try. The spiritual danger of living with this nihilism is that it paralyzes spiritual growth. It can rob you of joy and allows bitterness to grow in your heart. Most importantly and dangerously, it denies the power of the Gospel. While the suffering we see in this world is real and sin toward each other has real consequences, framing our identity as victims contradicts our true identity in Christ. This identity calls us to be active stewards of what we have been given, to be eternally hopeful and a faith that perseveres.
When we know that our identity is in the salvation and victory that are found in Christ and what he has done for us on the cross, we can no longer claim to be a victim. We are called to idenitfy by what Christ has accomplished for us not by what has happened to us. The world calls us to dwell on our hurt and wounds but the Bible calls us to forgive and allow Christ to claim victory and healing over us.
Romans 8:35–37: "In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us."
Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through him who strengthens me."
This verse in Philippians, many times seen on sports attire and people claim it to show that they can accomplish a great feat in a sporting event. Yet the author, Paul is actually talking about being content in all circumstances, “in plenty and in want”. Can we also say that we can be content where the Lord has placed us while simultaneously saying that we are victims of those same circumstances? Christ does not merely sympathize with our weakness, He equips us to strengthen us to overcome despair and hurt.
We instead are called to be faithful stewards and diligence in our work as unto the Lord. The mindset of a victim breeds in us passivity and helplessness. Biblical faith on the other hand calls us to active diligent stewardship of our time, gifts and responsibilities. Trusting God does not mean waiting passively for life to happen to us but it is instead paired with action.
Colossians 3:23–24: "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men..."
Proverbs 31:17, 25: Strength, dignity, and active provision in daily responsibilities.
Hard work and personal responsibility are acts of worship that push back against apathy and self-pity. So our perspective when looking at our lives through a correct biblical lense will move us from victimhood to strength to accomplish what Christ has for us - which is Kingdom building. How can we build the Kingdom of God if we cannot show that Christ has come and ruling and reigning in our hearts and leads our lives.
As we remember that Earth is not our home - we begin to have an eternal perspective. Bitterness takes root when we expect a broken world to provide us what only heaven can offer - true comfort and justice. When we remember that this life is temporary, and that heaven is eternal, the disappointments and hurts that we face lose their power to crush our spirit.
Philippians 3:20: "But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ."
2 Corinthians 4:17–18” For ithis light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, jas we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
We can endure unjust or difficult seasons because our ultimate security, reward, and dwelling place are guaranteed in eternity.
What are some ways that we can take off victimhood and put on a more biblical mindset?
1) Replace cynical inputs (social media doomscrolling) with truth and prayer.
2) Practice intentional gratitude even in trials.
3) Serve others rather than turning inward.
Remember that you are a daughter of the King. He has fully equipped us for what He has called us to do. You are deeply loved by your Father in Heaven. Lastly, you were placed at the right time and in the right circumstances for God to use you to further the Kingdom of God and bring glory to His name.
John 16:33: "In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."