“Self-talk is speaking courage into yourself. We choose our thoughts in the same way we choose a TV show or what to eat for dinner. At any time, we can change the channel or the menu. When self-pity begins to come on, it’s time to see what else is playing.”- Kyle Idleman
Kyle Idleman concludes Chapter 3 of Don’t Give Up as he offers advice on what to do when you look at your circumstances and lose perspective. Pastor Idleman stresses that it helps to underline a basic plot point: you don’t know what God has planned for your life.
Thus, you have no idea how God intends to use your present adversity. Therefore, faith provides a confidence in what you cannot see so you can deal with life’s difficulties. With a faith perspective on your current struggles, you don’t feel sorry for yourself. Because you have confidence in what awaits.
Furthermore, we must choose to over come our circumstances. As a result, we choose to use our adversity as a springboard that propels us to greatness. After all, the same power that brought Jesus back from the dead can help us overcome our circumstances. For our confidence resides in the Holy Spirit’s power – not in ourselves.
Finally, in his book David and Goliath (2013), Malcolm Gladwell writes about what he describes as ‘desirable difficulties’. Mr. Gladwell postulates that facing horrible circumstances actually presents an opportunity rather than an obstacle. Hence, people who overcome disability or disadvantage succeed because of their circumstances, not in spite of them. Also, difficulties don’t serve up greatness on a silver platter. Instead, people who overcome use their difficulties as fuel for the journey.
Today’s question: What Bible verses support you in speaking courage into yourself? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: the Mother’s Day Short Meditation, “Life challenges and obstacles”
