The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)

You are at the threshold of the opening of a new door

- Catherine Galasso-Vigorito Columnist

A friend of mine was once told me a story about a little five-year-old boy who was misbehavin­g one Sunday morning in church. The boy’s mother couldn’t get the youngster to stop talking and fidgeting, so she turned to her son, bent down and whispered in his ear, “Why are you acting like this, honey?” She paused for a moment, placed her hand on his tiny shoulder, and in a gentle voice, quietly questioned, “Don’t you know who created you?”

The boy glanced at his mother and smiled, with his eyes filled with hope. Then, he explained, “God made me, mom, but... He is not through with me yet!”

What’s God’s call for your life? What are the special plans that He has for you to fulfill? What new joys and blessings are ahead?

Maybe the dream that you’ve dreamed has been hindered, and hasn’t come to pass. Perhaps, you think you are too young or too old or don’t have the abilities for God to use you. Otherwise, you’re still suffering from past hurts, face an uncertain future or you have made some mistakes, and now you feel inadequate and defeated.

However, let’s recall the old saying, “Life is a marathon, not a sprint.” Despite what you face, you must not give up, for as the little boy declared, “God is not through with you yet!”

In the Bible, I read when Caleb was 85 years old, he said to the Lord, “I am as strong now as when I was 40, and I want to take another mountain.” (Joshua 14:6-13). Caleb didn’t sit back and yield, becoming down and discourage­d, thinking that his best days were over. Rather, Caleb believed there was another goal for him to accomplish, another mountain for him to conquer, and that God would bless him in many new and wonderful ways. Caleb’s example teaches us to wholeheart­edly follow God, to be strong and courageous, and to never quit.

When situations are postponed or difficult, don’t jump to the conclusion that God isn’t on the job. Persevere. God is on your side, and right now, He is preparing a great victory for you to enjoy.

You are at the threshold of the opening of a new door. God didn’t take you this far to abandon you. So, take your eyes off of the roadblocks that are keeping you from living your best life, focus on God and move forward. Success is to come. Miracles are just around the corner. A breakthrou­gh is near. That’s why it is important to keep praying, keep trying and keep on striving. God will finish what He started, for Scripture says, “Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will complete it….” Philippian­s 1:6.

I read in the Old Testament, that God promised Sarah that she would have a baby. In those times, the main purpose of a woman’s life was to get married and bear children, for children were the hope of the future. Yet, Sarah was beyond childbeari­ng years, and she thought she was too old to conceive a child. It seemed impossible, because Sarah was 90 years old and Abraham was 100. But God basically said,

“I’m not through with you yet!” And as promised, Sarah did give birth to a miracle son they named,

Isaac. The miracle of God came to pass.

You and I can only do so much, but God can do the impossible, and He is not through with you yet. Regardless of circumstan­ces or people who tell you, “It could be too late,” “You’re too old,” “It isn’t going to work,” or “You can’t…” remember, nothing is beyond God’s ability to renew and restore. The word “impossible” is not part of God’s vocabulary.

If something happens that causes you worry, refuse to give in to it. Instead, think positively; fill your mind with thoughts of love, hope, and peace, to increase your sense of well-being. Count your many blessings. Think about the good things that are to come in your life. Help others. And, all through the day, keep God foremost in your mind and mediate on His promises:

You may be worried about situations that are challengin­g you now. Yet, God promises, “Never will I leave you. Never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5).

Perhaps, you are concerned about finances. However, God promises, “I will supply all of your needs...” (Philippian­s 4:19).

You could be agonizing because people might have tried to hurt or deceive you. But, God promises, “No weapon formed against you shall prosper.” (Isaiah 54:17).

Possibly, you are worried that your dreams will ever come to be. Neverthele­ss, God promises, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” (Proverbs 16:3).

You could be fearful about what will happen tomorrow. Though, God promises, “Do not fear, for I amwith you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10).

Or, you’re worried as you face yet another setback. Still, God promises, “Be strong and courageous. Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9).

God has called you to persevere and He will give you the strength and bless your efforts.

Regardless of how great your challenges may be, set forth to accomplish God’s calling on your life, utilizing your one-of-akind gifts and capabiliti­es. Stretch and grow beyond what you imagine. Have the courage to follow that still, small voice within. Venture out and wholeheart­edly pursue your dreams. For you will find that the same power that works in the rising and setting of the sun, the stars that are held in the night sky, and the ebb and flow of the ocean, will help direct your steps.

And soon, sometime, in some way, or through someone, in often unexpected and always extraordin­ary ways, a new door will open for you!

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