Press through your challenges like a champion

“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 self-pity, 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 suc- cumb 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, regard- less 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.