Courageous by Dr. Robert JeffressSýnishorn

Develop a Victor, Not a Victim Mindset

Renown British Arctic explorer Ernest Shackleton epitomized an important truth: our attitude is essential to our survival. Having led heroic expeditions of discovery and survival in the South Pole at the turn of the 20th century, Shackleton believed optimism is true moral courage, and he was unwavering in example. His optimistic stubbornness refused to give in to neither challenge nor defeat. 

For Shackleton, the key to survival was knowing how to respond when things didn’t go as planned. The same is true in our lives. When difficulties come—whether from our own failures, the failures of others, or the fact that the world is broken—we should never see ourselves as victims. Rather, we are to remember that “God is for us” (Romans 8:31). No matter what circumstances we face, we can choose to have the mindset of victors not victims.

Attitude—our mental and emotional response to the circumstances of life—determines more than our actions; it also determines our character. Some people are confirmed pessimists. They decide to have a negative response to every circumstance. Yet other people can look at the same circumstance and choose a positive outlook. 

The apostle John said that those who belong to God will trust our heavenly Father and follow His instructions: “By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and observe His commandments” (1 John 5:2). As God’s children, we share in His victory—a victory that comes by our faith in Jesus, who has already “overcome the world” (John 16:33).

God can use even the most difficult situations in our lives for our good and His glory. That’s the promise of Romans 8:28: “God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” And what is the highest good God could imagine coming out of our trials? Paul provided the answer in verse 29: that we might “become conformed to the image of His Son.” God’s purpose is to use every circumstance we face to mold our character to become more like Jesus Christ.

We may not always be able to change our circumstances, but we can change our attitudes. And changed attitudes result in changed lives.

Prayer: God, as your child, I share in Your victory—a victory that comes by faith in Jesus. Settle me with Your truth when circumstances seem contrary. Help my faith to inform my mind with a conviction of Your victory for me. In Jesus’s Name.