Obstacles
Part of being successful is acknowledging the obstacles in your way, and to the best of your abilities planning for them. There will be unforeseen circumstances, but for the most part we know our challenges. It is important to set realistic goals. It is important to evaluate resources. We must always count the cost. Some journeys require you to travel alone. Some roads are long and narrow. No matter what path you take this year, count the cost. Evaluate and acknowledge your obstacles...so you can overcome them.
The Test
I mentioned in my last post that we typically have a test before we have a testimony. We sometimes get caught up in the test and can’t see our way out of it. We are overwhelmed by our problems because we don’t see the solution. We see the obstacles, but don’t see our way around them. Sometimes, the test is really just a matter of perspective. I’m not saying your problems aren’t real. I’m not saying that the consequences aren’t difficult. What I am saying is there is a way out. There is a testimony on the other side, if you pass the test.
Favor
I'm not a gambler simply because I don't like to lose. I never spend more than twenty dollars. I don't play the lottery despite the fact my husband believes, "you have to be in it to win it." I find no thrills in losing money. I prefer rollercoasters and movies. A couple years back my church had a women's conference that made you confront your fears. It was called "Fearless." We held snakes, shot arrows, wore bright red lipstick, and a host of other things that might incite fear. I got my Katniss Everdeen on.( She was the protagonist of the Hunger Games series.) I shot arrows at big bright targets, and I must admit I wasn't that bad. I held a boa constrictor. I stared at myself in the mirror and did some mirror work. What I learned that night was that when you face your fears you allow the favor of God to enter your life. You see things differently. You begin to understand that fear happens when you lose focus. Just like Peter when he walked on water. You must face your fears, have faith, focus on God and walk in his favor.
"May the odds be ever in your favor."- Hunger Games
Dynamic
noun
1.
a force that stimulates change or progress within a system or process.
When was the last time you bucked the system? When was the last time you challenged authority? When was the last time you were a catalyst for change in your environment? Change begins with you. It can be as simple as a change of heart. Change your mind. Change your thinking. Change your perspective. Change your speech. Change your attitude. Be dynamic. Be a force to be reckoned with and force that can't be ignored.
Courage
Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.
cour·age ˈkərij/ noun
the ability to do something that frightens one.
- strength in the face of pain or grief.
Strength has never been a difficult thing for me. I was raised by a single parent. My mother taught me how to be strong. The women in my family are fierce. Strength came easy, but courage was something different. I knew how to handle difficult situations. I knew how to manage my emotions. I knew how to "get over it," but courage was something different. Courage meant acknowledging my fear. It meant unpacking all the fear. It meant opening the closet and letting the skeletons fall out. It meant doing the hard work. Courage meant standing even though my knees were shaking. Courage meant to knock on the door. Courage meant to try "it" again. Courage meant knowing that no matter what it looked like God is with me. Courage meant my faith had to be bigger than my fears. I encourage you today to be strong and of good courage. God is with you.
Obstacles
I love obstacle courses. In fact, I attempted the ninja course at Slingshot Entertainment this past summer. I use the word attempt very lightly. The very first challenge required me to overcome my fear. There were a few other challenges where I overestimated my physical ability and hurt myself. I realized quickly that this obstacle course was designed to present both physical and mental challenges. Obstacles in our lives cause us to re-evaluate our capabilities. Some obstacles present mental challenges, while others present financial or physical challenges. Identify the obstacles in your life. Are they physical? Are they financial? Are they mental? Evaluate your strengths and weaknesses. Create a time sensitive plan with a deadline. Execute the plan.
"The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.”― Confucius