Breakthroughs, blessings are on their way to you

“The past is behind you and it can’t be changed. So, live for today, learn from yesterday and have hope for tomorrow.”

Are you overwhelmed with difficulties?

Do you think you have exhausted all of your resources?

Well, you haven’t, so hold on. You are a survivor, a winner, and you will rise above this setback, and not only survive, but you will thrive. God still has a plan.

In Jeremiah 29:11 His word says, “For I know the plans I have for you…plans for good and not for evil, to give you hope and a future.”

Thus, don’t concentrate on the potholes that are in your path. Instead, trust God’s word; implement positive solutions, and focus on the victories that lie ahead. Maybe you made some poor decisions in the past. So, recognize what has happened, see beyond the troubles of today, and take steps at once to overcome them.

A while back, I received a powerful letter from a husband and wife who wrote to tell me that each week they cut out my column and mail it to their teenage daughter who is in reform school. “My daughter says that your articles help her to see the true light God shines on all of us,” the father shared.

Next, the father went on to explain in the four-page letter that their young daughter was very destructive and out of control. Her situation appeared to be almost impossible to surmount. But the parents stood strong, and found a school a few states over to help their child with her mounting challenges. Now, their daughter is getting the much-needed support and assistance she needs, through this school’s fine program.

As this teenager reaches for recovery, the father described that she knows that God is with her, right by her side, as God’s love reaches into the future and knows no boundaries. For that knowledge alone causes the teenager to have hope and a brighter outlook for the days to come.

And one day at a time, she is developing into a loving, caring, appreciative adolescent. Indeed, she is picking up the pieces of her life, putting them back together, and in the process, she is an inspiration to those around her. As difficult as the circumstances have been, the teenager is emerging triumphantly from her trials. Her parents suggest to her often, “The past is behind you and it can’t be changed. So, live for today, learn from yesterday and have hope for tomorrow.”

This story inspired me and I pray that by God’s grace this teenager continues to change and shape her life in a positive direction.

With God all things are possible. There is no problem that you cannot conquer, no negative history you cannot overcome, and no dream that you cannot achieve. Life is about choices. And each decision you make, creates you. Therefore, you can choose to start over, to change directions, and to strive to attain your heart’s highest goal. Ask God to help you, then forge ahead, “…reaching forth unto those things which are before you,” and you will triumph (Philippians 3:13).

In the Bible, I read a story about a man named Zacchaeus. He was a senior tax collector, and a very wealthy man, but was not well-liked in the town. Beginning in Luke 19, it tells how Jesus was passing through Jericho and Zacchaeus was eager to catch a glimpse of him. There were many people gathered around to see Jesus, and Zacchaeus was a short man, so he decided to climb a tree, thus, he might be able to get a better look. “When Jesus came to the tree, he looked up and said, Zacchaeus, hurry and come down! I must stay at your house today” (Luke 19:5).

Zacchaeus then came down from the tree, “received him joyfully,” and instantly became a changed man. In fact, he gave half his money to the poor and said that if he cheated anyone in the past, he said he would pay them back four times the amount. Just from seeing Jesus from high up in a sycamore tree, Zacchaeus was transformed.

So, do not stay where you are, sitting idly because you are paralyzed by mistakes of the long-ago. You can change, too. It is time to get up and get moving, and take that first leap of faith. And then watch, in awe, at what God will do as His plan for you unfolds.

I recall when I was at the store selecting a greeting card for my daughter’s upcoming birthday. Lingering for a time, opening up card after card, a cashier walked over to me and asked, “Do you need any help?” Smiling, I explained, “I’m looking for the perfect birthday card for my little girl, to let her know that year after year, I love her more and more.” That’s how God feels about you, for you are His beloved child, and with each passing moment, He loves you more and more.

Just think about what you could accomplish if you saw yourself through God’s eyes. Why don’t you try it? And choose to use each and every day well, and to fill your precious hours with love, purpose, joy and peace.

It doesn’t matter where you have come from, what has happened in the past, or what your life has been. Go forth with love and joy. Your future can be different than your yesterday. It is a new day and with it comes a clean slate. God is smiling down on you today. Breakthroughs and blessings are coming to you. A golden opportunity is going to break forth.

Something great is on the verge of happening. Thus, stay productive; keep your goals in front of you, and thank God for your tremendous gifts and abilities.

Let God do His work, to transform your life.