Learn from life’s challenging experiences

Stop thinking about yesterday’s regrets and mistakes. The past is like a magnet. It’s always trying to pull us back. What happened before is over and done. Forget those things that are behind and press on.

Once, a young man asked Henry Ford, “How can I make a name for myself and be successful?” Purportedly, Ford replied, “Decide what you want, then stick with it. Never deviate from your course no matter how long it takes or how hard the road, until you’ve accomplished your purpose.”

At times, do you just feel like just giving up and relinquishing your hopes and dreams for the future? Perhaps, you have faced circumstances that were unfair. You may have been mistreated.

One challenge could be followed by another. Or, you’re tired, frustrated, or your situation seems to be without an answer.

But if there were ever a time not to give up, this is it.

In the Bible, Ecclesiastes 3tells us that, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”

However … it doesn’t say anywhere that there’s a time to quit.

“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love Him.” (James 1:12)

Regardless of what has transpired, refuse to give up. You’re not going to be defeated. Learn from challenging experiences and keep on moving forward. With God, there is always a way.

God is our one true source of hope. He is a God of another chance. And when you’ve done everything you can do, God will step in and do what you can’t do.

⏩ The goals of your heart may be taking a long time to transpire. Persevere with grace and dignity. God will give you the strength, and He will bless your efforts with success.

“The righteous keep moving forward and those with clean hands become stronger and stronger.”

(Job 17:9)

⏩ Situations might be difficult for you right now. Pray and continue on in faith. God is with you. And He is causing the tide to turn in your favor.

“The very day I call for help, the tide of battle turns. My enemies flee! This one thing I know: God is for me.” (Psalm 56:9)

You could have been ⏩ rejected and pushed to the side. Persist courageously through opposing forces and your determination will be rewarded.

“Be ye strong, therefore, and do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded.” (2 Chronicles 15:7)

Don’t despair; success is near. Stop thinking about yesterday’s regrets and mistakes. The past is like a magnet. It’s always trying to pull us back. What happened before is over and done. Forget those things that are behind and press on.

This is a new day — and there is no better time than right now to reach for your best life.

Awhile back at a sporting event I spoke to the mother of one of my daughter’s friends who, many years before, went through a tough divorce. She described to me how her ex-husband left her and her two young daughters.

They lost their home and were severely in debt. Being a stay-at-home mom, she was only earning a small amount of money at her part-time job, working nights at the hospital.

Months later, alone, she had a health scare, and she had little extended family.

Certainly, it was the most difficult time in her life. For this mother had valid excuses to sit around being bitter and angry. She could have spent her days feeling inferior, unhappy and settling for mediocrity.

Still, looking at this kind and composed woman who today is strong, healthy, has a happy marriage, well-adjusted children, a lovely home and a successful career, it was hard to imagine that she encountered such hard times.

“How did you get through that trying time in your life?” I inquired hesitantly.

We were sitting on the bleachers, and there was a pause for a moment. She sighed. Then, the woman leaned toward me as if she were telling me a secret and her voice dropped to a whisper, “When I was in the pool of self-pity, and negativity was trying to consume me, I’d get my Bible. I would close my eyes, flip through the pages and arbitrarily stop and point to a random verse.”

I listened closely, and she continued, “One particular passage helped me immensely,” she confided. Inquisitively, I questioned, “What was the verse?”

She smiled warmly and said, “It is Jeremiah 29:11, ‘For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.’”

I nodded with understanding. Her eyes were filled with tears as she said in a soft voice, “I clung to those words for comfort … and I vowed to trust and believe that God still had great things to come for us.

“And persistently, with a positive mindset, I worked to make a better life for me and my children.”

She looked away and then back to me and said, “I refused to give up. And indeed, God had a plan . ... He took care of my situation and turned it around. God has proven His faithfulness over and over again.”

You, too, may have had some bad breaks or setbacks, or you are not where you want to be now. But like this mother, trust and believe for great things to come. You’re not alone in your pursuits.

God is walking beside you and arranging blessings upon blessings for your future.

So take another step ahead. You’re closer to achieving the dreams that you hold in your heart than you may think. You’re going to accomplish things that you never thought you could do.

You’ll meet exciting people. You will be offered a fantastic opportunity. You’ll gain more insight and experience a new sense of joy and purpose. And your persistent efforts will be crowned with success.

Do not be afraid. Rejoice in God. Focus on your blessings. And never give up your dreams. There are incredible things that await you.