Press through your challenges with a champion mentality

“Good timber does not grow with ease, the stronger the wind, the stronger the trees.”

— Thomas S. Monson

One evening, I was outside and overhead stars hung like hundreds of tiny, sparkling lights in a black velvet canopy. As I looked up at the beauty of the night sky, I thought about our life’s journey. Then, I recalled a story I heard about a man who was held captive for years because of his spiritual beliefs. This man was a good man. He was hardworking and loyal. The man was kind and helpful to others. And he never deliberately hurt anyone. Yet, he was thrown into jail along with those who had committed terrible crimes.

Day by day, the man was hurting. But he didn’t turn bitter and continually torment himself by asking, “God, why did this happen to me?” Nor did he harbor resentment and complain about who wronged him. With strength and courage, he didn’t allow his mind to wonder or to beat himself up over regrets, disappointments or setbacks of the past. For in tough times, it can be easy to focus on the negative. Then your mind could become twisted and picture the worst case scenarios until you fall deeply into despair.

Rather, the man resisted selfpity, doubt and disbelief. He did not to use his words to magnify the problem. He used his words to talk about the solution, by applying the word of God over the adverse situation. Daily, the man turned to God with prayer, praise and worship. Even when the man couldn’t see a way out of the trial, he didn’t succumb to unhelpful mental activity. He thanked God for what He had planned for him, while trusting that God would turn things around for his good.

Finally, the man was released. Overjoyed and with a heart full of peace, he walked to freedom. With tears of joy, gratefully, the man took to his knees, bowing his head before God in thankfulness and prayer, uttering, “Thank you, Lord!”

Sometime later, a reporter interviewed him and asked about his ordeal. Contemplating for a moment, the man said, “Spending time alone deepened my faith and meditation. I uncovered the beauty in what seemed plain and ordinary. And I learned to appreciate everything, every day.”

The man made it through the tribulation and afflictions with a champion mentality. And he went on to see God’s grace and goodness in ways he had never seen before.

In life, how you handle each circumstance will determine your peace. I’ve heard it said, “If you can’t change it, change the way you think about it.” Your thoughts will make the world what you want it to be. Like this man, regardless of how difficult the circumstance, life always presents us with something to be grateful for and appreciate.

A reader wrote via email, “One thing I can tell you is that in the past couple of days, whenever some negative thoughts start sneaking in, I immediately choose a detour to ‘think of something good.’ With all the good there is, it isn’t hard to do.”

Remember, you are strong; you’re capable; and you are a champion! God knows the condition you are in at the moment. Don’t get distracted, criticize or be against yourself. Do not stop believing and give up on your dreams now. Behind the scenes, God is at work, and He is setting your miracle into motion.

So stop looking back at what is lost and start focusing on and appreciating the many wonderful blessings and endeavors ahead. Don’t allow negative thinking or unconstructive words to control your attitude. Instead, train your mind to focus on how things will work out in your behalf. inside: Find Faith features on PAGE D1

Try this: For a few minutes each day, go to a quiet place, open up your Bible and find a promise that fits your situation and then speak it aloud. It doesn’t matter how difficult the circumstance appears to be, God will make good on His word; and in His perfect timing, He will surely see that the promise becomes a reality:

Instead of uttering, “I just can’t get ahead,” believe and say, “God will supply my needs.” (Philippians 4:19).

In place of declaring, “Nothing good is going to happen for me,” believe and say, “God will lead me to triumph.” (2 Corinthians 2:14).

As opposed to stating, “I’m in an impossible situation,” believe and say, “With God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26).

Rather than whispering, “I’ll never get well,” believe and say, “With His stripes I am healed.” (Isaiah 53:5).

Instead of saying, “It’s not fair,” believe and say, “God will restore twice as much to me.” (Zechariah 9:12).

A full, blessed life is still in front of you. Therefore, spotlight the countless blessings in your life, your accomplishments, joys and successes. Keep an affirmative outlook and think on that which is good, and lovely, that which builds you up and encourages your heart and soul.

So ‘say’ what you’d like to see or have come to pass. ‘Assert’ the good, and ‘repeat’ your heart’s desires again and again.

Scripture says, “For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.” (Mark 11:23). Believe you can move that mountain, think victory, and have faith that you will be victorious, and you will.

In the publishing business, when an author signs a book contract with a publisher, they are usually given a cash advance. Yet, I read somewhere that Dr. Seuss preferred to be paid after he completed his work, instead of in advance. Similarly, most often the blessings come after you’ve experienced a loss, a setback or disappointment.

You may have struggled in an area for a long time. But your time of success is coming! So press through your challenges with a champion mentality. God is getting ready to do extraordinary things in your life. The breakthrough is almost here. Positive change is forthcoming. And, soon, your beautiful dreams will become a reality.