LIVE for today and have HOPE for an even better tomorrow

How many times when we try to reach a goal and we hit a stumbling block, do we get discouraged and want to give up? And before long we may get bitter and resentful. Then, we might begin to talk ourselves out of our aspirations by looking at what we don’t have, all the obstacles in our path, thinking we do not have the money, talent, or education to succeed.

But it doesn’t matter how many times you’ve tried and failed, you must shake that off and try again. When one door closes, God always opens a window.

I recall that cloudy afternoon, as I was driving to a restaurant to meet a dear friend for lunch. She had called me and wanted to talk about a troubling situation. She had become frustrated and discouraged because she had a major setback on a project of considerable significance to her.

As I walked into the dining room, I saw my friend sitting there looking distressed with her hand on her forehead, staring at the red tablecloth.

I came over to the table, sat across from her, and asked, “What’s wrong?” Then, for the next twenty minutes, she proceeded to tell me just what was bothering her, describing in full detail, all the difficulties, struggles and regrets.

When she finished talking, I said, “There were two words that you kept on repeating over and over again.” My friend looked confused, as I uttered, “The words were, ‘If only.’”

Looking at her, I continued, “‘If only’ we did things differently,’ ‘If only’ we made a better decision,’ ‘If only’ we were smarter or prettier’ ‘If only’ we had more opportunities.’ But the trouble with ‘if only,’ is that it doesn’t change anything. It keeps a person facing the wrong way, backward instead of forward. It wastes precious time and energy and if you let it develop into a habit, it can become a roadblock and an excuse for not trying anymore.”

“Now if certain plans did not work out or if mistakes were made, learn from them and move on. Push aside the roadblocks of regret and discouragement, apply the lessons you have learned, and move forward with positive action.”

A faint smile began to spread across my friend’s face. So, I suggested, “Have faith in God and replace the words, ‘if only’ for ‘next time.’”

Leaning towards her, I whispered, “This is not the end — it is just the beginning… you must feel that way. God did not bring you this far without a reason. We just don’t see it yet. You followed His lead — then it is in His hands. Don’t lose faith in Him. LIVE for today and have HOPE for an even better tomorrow.”

Sometimes, there are no logical solutions to our predicaments. And we may be confronted with a dilemma that looks hopeless, and we might not be able to see an answer. Often, we go through things that we don’t understand, and may have a good reason to be disheartened.

However, we have the power to prevail over our obstacles. There is nothing in our lives that we cannot overcome, no hurt we cannot excuse, and no difficulty we cannot conquer. Regardless of what has happened, let’s move ahead, for God is able to bring us out stronger than before.

Most people who achieve something extraordinary get off to a slow and difficult start. Many people usually encounter numerous setbacks before they triumphed. But they were victorious because they had courage in the face of obstacles, and refused to yield and get discouraged. When you feel like giving up, that is the time to press forward!

So, we must not dwell on the worst-case scenarios, for we cannot succeed while doubting ourselves, finding fault or thinking thoughts of failure. Let’s not waste our precious energy worrying and complaining, blaming our past, our shortcomings, focusing on our lack. When those negative thoughts bombard our mind, when we are in trying times, let us pray and turn our trials over to God. We may not see a way out, but God has a solution. Let’s trust Him and believe that He will bring us out of our challenge victoriously.

Do you have obstacles in your path today? Speak of the great things you hope to accomplish. Stand tall and tell yourself, “I have a bright future,” “God has a glorious, new plan for me,” and “The best is yet to be.”

For a few minutes, three times each day speak statements such as these:

• “I will successfully defeat this problem.”

• “I am blessed with ever-increasing good health.”

• “Good is coming into my life.”

• “I will pass on a kindness to five people today.”

• “Situations are turning in my favor.”

• “God is holding me in the palm of His Hand.”

• “Peace reigns in my heart now.” As we continue to focus on our possibilities, dwelling on positive, empowering thoughts, persisting, and remaining steadfast, our faithfulness will be rewarded. Scripture says, “You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.” (Hebrews 10:36).

Many years have passed since that rainy afternoon luncheon. But to this day, my friend tells me with a smile, that whenever she finds herself thinking ‘if only,’ she immediately changes it to ‘next time.’

Give, serve, and love others as you speak blessing into your life… And thank God every day, trusting in the One who loves you so much. For when you are faced with a circumstance that is bigger than yourself, recall how small it is compared to our magnificent God.