This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
—Joshua 1:8

Have you allowed other people to trap you in a "victim mentality." People with a victim mentality say, "I can't get out until you let me out," "I can't be happy until you make me happy," or "I can't succeed until you allow me to succeed." People with a victim mentality give away all power to other people, which God never intended!

God never leaves your destiny in anyone else's hands. God's Word tells us that if you speak the Word, think the Word, and do the Word, your way will be prosperous. Your success doesn't depend on what other people do. It depends on what you do.

By God's grace, you are a victor, not a victim. God's rules—not man's rules—produce prosperity. God's commands—not man's commands—produce life and blessing. God's principles—not man's principles—produce wisdom and power.

Because I know that whatever captures our attention will master us, I refuse to dwell on the painful fact that I didn't have a father in my life. I live in the fullness of what God has given me—a husband who loves me; children who bring me great joy; a wonderful ministry; and blessings all around me. I place great emphasis on what I have been given.

Stop using what happened in your past to determine what will happen in your future. The apostle Paul said that there is one thing that was imperative for him to do in order to go forth into his future—he must forget the past (Philippians 3:13–14). He must let go of all his yesterdays—whether they were good or bad. Like Paul, you must let go of your past so you can enter your tomorrow. Where you came from does not determine where God is taking you.

Rather, Paul wrote, "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (vs. 14). To press is to resist that which would hinder your moving into your destiny. Choose to put your focus on the good things God has done for you, is doing for you, and will do for you. Every time a negative thought or feeling about the past or any form of fear arises, including the fear of the unknown, we must resist it in the name of Jesus Christ. By faith and obedience we leave the past and embrace what the Word of God has to say about us and our future.

Related Texts: Exodus 15:1; Romans 8:37; 1 Corinthians 15:57; 2 Corinthians 2:14; Hebrews 4:14–16; 1 John 5:14