If life knocks you down, you should ‘get up’, ‘not give up’

Life doesn’t always go according to plan.

When we are young and carefree, our imagination has no limits. But then, the years pass and we meet up with disappointments, bad breaks and setbacks. We may make mistakes and wrong choices. And after that, our heart’s aspirations that were once so alive and vivid seem to slowly fade away, and all the progress we made toward a better life appears to have fallen by the wayside.

Afterward, with the wounds we are carrying on our backs, our heads hanging down and hands in our pockets, we regress and walk away from our dreams. And fear that our best days are far behind us.

But wait. Don’t succumb to negative thinking and throw away your future in a wastebasket because of a failure, setback, or a rejection. This is not the time to concede defeat. This is the day to dream new dreams.

God has a bigger purpose in mind for you. Therefore, if life knocks you down, you should ‘get up,’ not ‘give up!’

Dry your tears and look to the future. Regardless of what’s happened in the past, with God by your side and courage in your heart, it’s not too late to begin a new chapter. A better tomorrow is in store, for the Bible says, ‘in due season you will reap if you faint not.’ (Galatians 6:9).

In the 1950s, a new highway was constructed along a Kentucky throughway, and with the interstate the majority of the customer traffic was diverted away from the town that housed a local restaurant. The owner of the restaurant watched with sadness in his eyes, as his successful business came to an abrupt end.

At 65 years old, the restaurant owner had experienced personal and professional losses in his life.

Nevertheless, rather than sitting back with his limited resources and feeling totally hopeless, possibly thinking, “My dreams are over,” “I’m too old now,” or “My best days have passed,” the businessman decided he wasn’t going to quit. Instead, he would make a fresh start. In spite of everything he had been through, he did not let bitterness taint his future. There were goals the businessman wanted to accomplish and new opportunities yet to be discovered.

Every person faces pressing problems. Still, it’s often not the problem, but what makes the difference is how we deal with them. How do we play the cards that life deals to us?

So, with his secret fried chicken recipe in hand, Colonel Harland Sanders began to market his delicious blend of 11 herbs and spices to restaurant owners across the country. Wearing his signature starched white shirt and white pants, Sanders was rejected and even made fun of on many occasions. Yet, we should not take another person’s negative response or opinion as fact. Or allow anyone to steal our dreams, preventing us from becoming all that we can be. We must follow our heart and listen to our inner voice to guide us to what is best.

Colonel Sanders understood this principle and kept on going steadily forward with a fixed determination to succeed. He persevered, devoting himself to developing his chicken franchise business. And indeed he succeeded!

Today, Kentucky Fried Chicken has grown to become one of the largest fast food empires in the world, with Sanders donating large sums to worthy causes.

It’s been said that, “A bend in the road is not the end of the road...unless you fail to make the turn.” Like, Colonel Sanders, no matter your age, losses or limited resources, God can still use you and your gifts in a miraculous way.

Think about this: A 100-dollarbill has the same value whether it is brand new, crumbled or even ripped. The value of the money doesn’t change, and your worth hasn’t changed either. There are great things ahead for you to achieve and contribute toward a better world. Therefore, don’t quit. When your situation seems so hopeless that you’re ready to give up, that is the exact time when things are most likely to turn around.

Maybe you were passed over for that new position. Keep working hard and being your best, because tomorrow, another person with a new attitude can be sitting at the helm and offer you the job of your dreams.

Perhaps you are struggling with a health condition. Pray, believe you will get well, for God can transform your situation and restore your health.

Possibly someone walked out on you. Stay open to every wonderful opportunity, as God can put you in the right place at the right time, and your days ahead can be filled with new friends, exciting experiences and unbridled joy.

In the Old Testament, Scripture tells us God promised Sarah that she would have a baby. Beyond childbearing years, Sarah thought she was too old to conceive a child. But God said, “Is there anything too difficult for the Lord? I will return to you at the appointed time next year and Sarah will have a son.” And as promised, Sarah did give birth to a son they named Isaac. (Genesis 18:14).

So if you are dismayed, ask yourself, “Is there anything too difficult for the Lord?”

With God, nothing can stand between you and your miracle!