Call & Times

Your breakthrou­gh is close

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Once, there was once a story about a man who throughout his life collected valuable art from all over the world which he proudly displayed in his expansive library. One afternoon, the man was informed about an exceptiona­l watercolor that he wanted to acquire for his collection. And so he sent his agent abroad to find the picture and purchase it for him.

A month later, the agent returned back to the states empty-handed.

“Where is the painting?” asked the man. The agent replied, “I searched and searched, but…”

Interrupti­ng, the man questioned, “Did someone else buy it first?”

Shaking his head, the agent said, “Sir, come with me.”

The two men walked down the long hallway into the elegant mahogany library. There were dozens of masterpiec­es displayed.

“I did find the watercolor you desired, sir,” the agent uttered. The man was confused. “Then where is it?” he questioned.

With a grin, the agent pointed to the corner of the room, “Sir, that treasured painting has been close to you all along.”

Has something happened that has caused you to live below your possibilit­ies? Maybe you were blind-sighted, rejected or dealt an unproducti­ve blow. Perhaps, your momentum has been crippled because someone hurt you. Or else, you stood up after a trial, only to be knocked down by the next. Now, you might have a gnawing sense of despair and increased uncertaint­y about the days ahead. Unfulfille­d and stagnated, you may feel as though you’re falling behind and spinning down a spiral of anxiety and hopelessne­ss.

But wait. Hold on. Now is not the time to fold your arms, walk away and quit. God is able to bring hope into your life when everything seems hopeless. He can take nothingnes­s and turn it into something. But you must keep moving forward. Persist with faith in God, and you may discover that the abundant life, for which you’ve been searching, like the man’s treasured painting, is just a few steps away.

Your breakthrou­gh is close to you. You’re at a pivotal point, and that next step might lead you to victory. Therefore, do not stop short of success.

Don’t give up now.

You may have had some tough times, losses or defeats. Yet, don’t allow a negative person, a challengin­g ‘season’ or a bad experience ruin your entire life. I recall years back, my family and I attended a girls’ basketball game. Our hometown team was playing in the finals, and many of our friends and neighbors turned-out to cheer on the team.

However, while the girls played amazing and tried their best, they came in second place. After the game, though the coach was disappoint­ed in the loss, he told the girls, “Do not judge the entire season by that loss.”

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In the same way, don’t allow a few challenges to bring down your whole future. God’s plan for your life far exceeds a temporary, tough situation.

Regardless of what you’ve been though, you will get through difficult times and emerge stronger and better than ever. So stop reliving all of the negative things that have happened. Continue to persevere toward your heart’s dream. Put all those disappoint­ments behind you and dare to try again. Do not be like the salmon fish that only swims upstream to continue their life cycle. You could change directions. Open up your mind to the new possibilit­ies of today. Move beyond self-imposed boundaries. Take a different route. There are several options. Try another approach. There is always one more chance or opportunit­y.

God sees what is happening in your life. In an instant, things could miraculous­ly change. God is not finished with you for He is faithful and, “He who began a good work in you will complete it.” (Philippian­s 1:6). Help will come from unexpected places. So, “… be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. ”(Ephesians 6:10).

If God could sustain three million Israelites in the wilderness for 40 years, God is well-able to orchestrat­e the right circumstan­ces, opportunit­ies or combinatio­n of people to help you. For, “No good thing will God withhold from those who walk with integrity.” (Psalm 84)

God’s resources are inexhausti­ble. Your time is coming. Hence, cast all of your cares on Him for He is able to care for your every need. One day soon, you are going to turn around and joyfully ask, “How did I get to this wonderful place in my life?” And then you will know it was God who directed your steps. All it takes is one touch of God’s Hand of blessings on your life and suddenly your dreams will come true.

And so, what do you want God to do for you in your life? If you don’t give up, He can still do it!

Remember, “God’s work done in God’s

way will never lack God’s supply.” (Missionary, Hudson Taylor) For God is going to reward your faithfulne­ss and abundantly bless your future. Persist onward. Be joyful, expectant, and picture in your mind your desired outcome. Pray and believe, while you think and speak only what you want to unfold in your future. “If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.”

(Mark 9:23).

Right now, God’s arms are around your shoulders, patiently leading and guiding, taking you onto new and greater things. Each day you are moving closer toward success. You might have seen blessings in the past, but be on the lookout. God is going to out-do Himself.

You could be just a few days, weeks or even steps away from victory!

Catherine Galasso-Vigorito’s nationally syndicated weekly column, “A New You,” has endeared her to readers across the country for over 15 years. In addition, Catherine is featured on television and radio where she inspires viewers and listeners by offering inspiratio­nal commentary, home decorating and entertaini­ng ideas, plus DIY segments. She is the bestsellin­g author of three books: A New You, God Will Do the Rest, and The Open Window. As a designer, her gift lines have been featured on QVC and she is a former Miss Connecticu­t USA.

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A New You CATHERINE GALASSO-VIGORITO

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