Watch for God’s Hand to move and bring new blessings to you
Years ago, I heard a folktale about two puppies who visited a vacant house. The outside of the house was painted a pristine white. But the interior of the house was all covered in mirrors.
When the first little dog arrived, he enthusiastically leaped through the front door. Full of expectation, his tail, like a welcoming banner was wagging in pure delight. Going from one room to another, the happy puppy gazed into the mirrors, his eyes shining with excitement. Amazed, he found himself staring at dozens of other joy-filled puppies. The other dogs looked exactly like him. They were jumping up and down eagerly, with their tails gaily wagging and enjoying life. When it was time to go, in his friendly demeanor, the puppy said to himself, “This is a wonderful house, I can’t wait to return!”
Thereafter, another puppy visited the mirrored house. In contract to such cheeriness, this puppy was unhappy. He didn’t see the good side of anything. The puppy took a tentative step forward. And as he slowly made his way through the front door, the puppy hung his head in gloom and doom. Growling with a sour attitude, he looked ahead, and then backed away, when he saw dozens of sad, unfriendly-looking dogs staring back at him. Complaining, the puppy’s mood grew darker and darker. He couldn’t stand it any longer. Leaving quickly, the door swung closed behind him, and the puppy whined curtly, “This house is terrible, I don’t ever want to come back!”
As this story conveys, life can be like a mirror and can give back to us the reflection of our thoughts, words and attitude.
“The greatest discovery of my generation is that human beings can alter their lives by altering their attitudes of mind.” —William James
Your attitude determines how you view life. And it may be the prophet of your future. The attitude you choose to possess can allow you to rise above challenges or magnify them. And it can be louder than the words you speak. For people, especially children, could mirror the attitude they sense that you hold. Thus, good or bad, you can influence others.
Yet, the worries and cares of life may attempt to stifle your joy and can suppress your positive outlook. At times, you might feel shortchanged; that you gave 100 percent, but you received less than half in return. Filled with regrets, your hopes and dreams for the future may appear to be fading. Or, because of countless disappointments, you could think that there’s nothing to look forward to anymore, and you’ve become disheartened.
But there is so much more to your life that is yet to unfold. So shake off what didn’t work out before. Leave behind the regrets, the guilt, and be passionate about your future again. If unconstructive thoughts or feelings of inadequacy try to attack your mind, rather than thinking, “Things are just going to continue the way they are now,” pray and ask God to change the situation. Then, talk as though you believe that He’s answering your prayer and start acting in faith as if it were true. In other words, say those things that you desire that currently do not exist, as though they did. Scripture says it so well, “...speak of non-existent things that He has foretold and promised, as if they already existed.” (Romans 4:17).
Remember, before Lazarus was raised from the dead, Jesus prayed, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me.” (John 11:41). When David was encountering a giant, David declared victory before the battle was won. (Isaiah 45:21). While the walls around the city hadn’t yet tumbled, God said to Joshua beforehand, “See! I have given Jericho into your hand, its king, and the mighty men of valor.” (Joshua 6:2).
Therefore, keep believing, persisting and speaking faith-filled words. Then, watch for God’s Hand of love to move on your behalf. For soon, you’ll see the manifestation of God’s promises come to pass in your life.
Have you had setbacks? This is a new day. So with a positive attitude of gratitude, continue doing your best. God has better opportunities just ahead for you.
Did someone hurt you? Forgive, forget and move forward. God is on the verge of bringing the best people across your path to bless your future.
Do you think you’ve reached your limit? God has a great purpose for your life and you are capable of far more than you can imagine. Hence, set your thoughts for victory and get ready. A new dream is about to happen.
A while back, I heard about a little boy who was in the family room playing with his train set, and one of the trains broke. The boy tried, but he couldn’t repair the damaged train. It was beyond his capability. So the boy called out loudly to his father. When the dad heard the boy’s cries, he quickly came to see what he could do to help his son.
In no time at all, the father fixed the toy. And the issue was successfully resolved.
Likewise, when you call out to God your Father, He can make wrongs turn out right and create a way, where there seems to be no way. Right now, God is successfully resolving and restoring situations. And, just when you think God has done it all, He will do more. He will provide more opportunities, more friendships, and more successes for you to enjoy.
Daily, ponder upon the good, talk optimistically, and expect positive results. Smile, laugh, summon your sense of humor and use your special gifts to help others. The more optimistic and grateful your attitude, the more joy, peace, and blessings will return to you.
So make up your mind to live your life happy. Appreciate the extraordinary person that God created you to be. And live the purposeful life that God has in His mind for you.