Could it be that we are holding onto reasons within ourselves that keep us from moving forward?
At some point in life, we all go through suffering and rejection. These experiences can remain in the heart as trauma, resentment, and emotional blockages that prevent us from trusting.
To put it simply: as human beings, we have many reasons not to move forward—and, humanly speaking, those reasons are valid. And yes, a person can consider everything they have suffered as a reason to do nothing. But there is a problem when one only stays in that mindset: first, one does not take a step forward, and second, one becomes a victim.
Traits of a victim:
- Takes little responsibility and places much blame on others
- Feels that “the same thing always happens to me”
- Focuses more on the problem than on the solution
- Justifies stagnation with the past
- Expects others to rescue them
- Feels powerless in the face of change
- Lives in constant complaining
- Has difficulty taking responsibility
- Victimizes themselves to receive attention or sympathy
If we read these traits carefully, we will notice two key words: decision and surrender. If we remain in that mindset, it is because we decided to surrender ourselves to that condition of being a victim.
But what can we do to come out of that mindset that has been stored in our heart?
That is why the Bible teaches us:“For consider your calling, brethren, that not many were wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble; but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are” (1 Corinthians 1:26–28).
In life, there will always be someone who is more intelligent, faster, or more talented. But those traits have limits. What will always move a person forward is willingness—or better said, how much one is willing to put into the work.
If we look up the word “available” in the dictionary, it means someone who is free, accessible, or ready to be used or to respond when needed.
A person leaves the condition of being a victim when they decide, surrender to God, and place themselves at His disposal. God completely transforms a person when they make themselves available to Him.
The Bible confirms this: “Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift” (Matthew 5:23–24).
Here, when it speaks of an offering, it is not referring to something physical, but to the character of deciding, surrendering, and being available. When one stands before God, one must forgive themselves in order to be forgiven—and in the same way, forgive others. Because if a person does not decide to leave everything behind and surrender to Him, they will not be able to take a step forward.
Reflect: are you deciding to keep your heart unclean?
Only you can answer that question, but I suggest that you allow yourself to be cleansed in Him so that you may come out of the condition that is holding you back. The Lord is waiting to give you the complete transformation you are seeking. Do not hold yourself back.
