What are we doing with what we’ve got, and whom are we becoming? It’s essential that we determine who we are because once that’s established, then we will know who we are not. Many times, we allow people or our thoughts to define us. However, God has given every man a mind to think positively and blessed us with an equal measure of faith. We at times, feel as though other people have more than what we have in life; however, I have learned, what we do with what God has given us is up to us. Could it be that others do more with their measure of faith than you? Romans 12:3 says, “For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.”
Have you ever felt stuck in life?
Even after we’ve pushed, prayed, suffered, sacrificed and then to see nothing happening in our life. We may even feel as though our suffering and sacrifices go unnoticed by God. Well, the moment you feel like giving up and when things feel as though they are not working out remember that God has not forgotten that you been faithful even in the midst of your storm. Also, let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap if we faint not. Galatians 6:9 {KJV}
Sometimes we don’t realize that everything we need and have to succeed in our life is already in our hands. At times, we miss out on what God is trying to do through us and for us because we chase and seek after the things of this world; we are not aware that God has already created everything we need to live that purposeful life we long after. For me, I admit, I get things wrong at times more often than not. Whenever God reminds me of the things He has for my future, I sometimes get impatient if I don’t see things manifest in my timing. I may try to step in and try to help God along with my prayer request but only to sabotage it with doubt or my own limitations. Our mind can limit our abilities, so we have to remember that we should not try to portray our strength and abilities on to God; We have to “take” on His strength and His unlimited abilities.
Additionally, we sometimes look for shortcuts, attempt to skip vital steps in order to save time and effort while hoping to reap the benefits and the same results. Trust me when I say: you cannot get around the process no matter how frustrated or exaggerated you become. Once you get through the storm, I promise you that the reward is well worth the wait.
The problem is that we often carry heavy burdens on our shoulders which make it harder to be grateful for the things we already have. We have to hold on – with all of our might – to the promises of our Almighty God. We need to learn how to give our burdens to God. “Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.” {Psalm 55:22} God is glad to carry your burdens and give you the daily strength you need. Even during the times when we pray for success in our life. First, you must determine what success actually means for you because the success we sometimes pray for may not be the same success that God has for your life. It’s not that some people are more successful than others. Maybe it’s that successful people think differently than how you are thinking. Success takes determination, time, tenacity, patience and sacrifice. You have to sustain enough forward momentum to keep it going every day. I have learned that success is subject to individual interpretation based on upbringing, past experiences, role models, personal motivations and goals. Before you can achieve “success,” you must first know the following;
o The definition of Success and what it is
o Your definition of success must be personal.
o A starting point in mind
o An end goal in mind
Here are six success identities:
o Grateful
o Engaged
o Forgiving
o Contributing
o Purposeful
o Patient
Have you ever encountered difficult challenges?
At each stage of life, we will encounter different challenges. So often we find our lives complicated, frustrating, and confusing, causing us to turn away from life rather than toward it. However, we should consider this thought: we were made to be challenged. When challenges come, they force us to grow and help us make “positive changes.” Yes, some days are gloomier than others. However, when creating a life worth living that keeps you inspired, awake, alive, fulfilled, content, hopeful, joyful, and excited, those qualities can help us properly function and be in control when we face an unexpected crisis. Also, when storms of life arise, we can rise above faster rather than feeling down and going into a depressed mode.
With this in mind, we need to learn how to celebrate who we are exactly right where we are in life! In many ways, we should consider a “problem” to be part of our identity. I know you may have been waiting for a very long time, and you may feel like giving up on your prayers and the promises of God. We may even feel as though there’s no hope, but you can start taking action for your life. Start making a list of the things you’ve lost hope in. Now start small. Look at the list and start crossing off the things you have the power to change and the things you can do for yourself. As the empowerment process unfolds, access to valuable resources and participation in community life reduces hopelessness for us all.
Then, consider asking yourself: What has God given me that is already in my hands? In other words, what are your gifts, talents, and the passion inside of you that you can put to work while waiting on God to answer your prayer? Who are you pouring into, serving, blessing or influencing? When we take the attention off of ourselves, it allows us to be proactive and take the initiative to help others i.e., helping the homeless. This not only brings hopefulness to the homeless but hope for the ones who gave up on hope.
Stephen R. Covey, author of “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” observed, “Proactive people focus their efforts in the Circle of Influence. They work on the things they can do something about. The nature of their energy is positive, enlarging and magnifying, causing their Circle of Influence to increase. Reactive people, on the other hand, focus their efforts in the Circle of Concern. They focus on the weakness of other people, the problems in the environment, and circumstances over which they have no control. Their focus results in blaming and accusing attitudes, reactive language, and increased feelings of victimization. The negative energy generated by that focus, combined with neglect in areas they could do something about, causes their Circle of Influence to shrink.” Let’s consider taking our minds off of the things we don’t have and be grateful for the things we do have.
God is faithful to complete every promise He has ever made to us. “And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you.” {Philippians 1:6 AMPC}