Your best days are in front of you

In a packed-full auditorium of eager participants, a renowned orator was announced onto the large stage to a standing ovation. After the audience was comfortably seated, the orator started . . .

In a packed-full auditorium of eager participants, a renowned orator was announced onto the large stage to a standing ovation. After the audience was comfortably seated, the orator started his seminar. First, he held up a $100 bill. After that, he asked the audience, “Who would like this money?”

The crowd applauded. Next, the orator proceeded to crumple up the $100 bill and inquired, “Who still wants the money?” Hands swiftly went up in the air.

Then, the orator dropped the 100-dollar bill on the floor, as he questioned, “What if I do this?” The orator started to step on the money, crushing it with his shoe. Leaning over, he proceeded to pick up the crumbled and dirty money. Again, he probed, “Now, who still wants the 100 dollars?” Nonetheless, many hands rose.

Moments later, the wise orator spoke, “Friends, we have all learned a great lesson here today. No matter what I did to the hundred dollars, you all wanted the money since it did not decrease in its value.”

Nods of understanding emanated from the audience. And with compassion in his voice, the orator said, “Many times we are downtrodden and crumpled by the circumstances that come our way. Sometimes, we feel as though we are worthless, that we want to quit, and we wonder if God has forgotten us.”

The room was hushed. You could have heard a pin drop.

“But whatever happens,” the orator encouraged, “You’ll never lose your value. You are priceless. You’re a treasure to others and to God who loves you so much.”

Has something happened that has caused you to devalue yourself? Are you not reaching your full potential because a situation from your past has been stopping you from going forward? And left alone with your thoughts, do you think, at times, that you are inferior, unworthy or unwanted?

Yet, you have too much to do, too many lives to positively influence and too many dreams to make manifest to give up on yourself now.

Your best days are in front of you. You are a special reflection of God’s precious love. You’re of incredible value. You are unique. Your uniqueness is God-designed, for there is no one else exactly like you. And you have many wonderful attributes with which to bless mankind.

My middle daughter loves fashion, and she always glances at clothing labels to see where the items are manufactured. Then, she questions me on where the items were made. One day, she looked at the label inside her spring jacket and asked, “Mom, guess where this was produced?” Promptly, I answered, “The USA.” My daughter replied, “You’re right.”

But the labels that God has for you read: “Fearfully and wonderfully made.” (Psalm 139:14). “Redeemed and forgiven by grace.” (Ephesians 1:7). “Treasured possession.” (Deuteronomy 7:6).

So, silence the internal voices in your head that may utter, “You’re not good enough,” “You can’t do that…” “It will never happen.” In their place, trust in God totally. Put Him first in your life, and each morning meditate on what He says: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

(Jeremiah 29:11).

This is a new day, and your life is filled with amazing possibilities. Thus, hold on, for God is preparing you for greater victories to come. In the book of Genesis, it tells us about the life of Joseph and the many difficulties he endured. His brothers conspired against him, cast him into a pit, and then sold him for 20 pieces of silver to slave traders. Subsequently, while a servant, false accusations against Joseph resulted in his imprisonment.

Joseph went through years of tribulations and trials. And it would have been easy for him to feel devalued and disqualified. Yet, Joseph never lost his faith and confidence in God, nor in himself. Although his present situation didn’t look good, Joseph kept on doing his personal best. He believed God would take what others unfairly did to him, turn it around, and somehow use it for good. Joseph glorified and honored God. And God, in turn, blessed him abundantly.

God gave Joseph the remarkable gift of translating dreams. While in prison, Pharaoh had a dream, and Joseph was called to interpret it. He told Pharaoh that there would be a famine in the land. Joseph advised Pharaoh to store up grain to avoid starvation. And because of this, Joseph saved the lives of many people. Pharaoh was so impressed with him that he placed Joseph in a position of enormous power and responsibility. He became the second highest ruler in the Egyptian empire, and his life was full of joy and purpose.

God sovereignly worked in Joseph’s life. And, likewise, God is turning unjust circumstances around in your behalf.

Maybe, you’ve made mistakes. Yet, it’s not too late, for God wants to give you a second chance. Right now, God is walking ahead of you, making a path to ensure your victory.

Perhaps, you are stuck in the same place, unfulfilled. But just because things haven’t worked out entirely for you up until now, it doesn’t mean you won’t find the fulfillment that you seek. Overnight, God can make your heart’s dream come true. For when it does happen, it’ll happen quickly.

Or, possibly, obstacles look impossible to overcome. However, God has not brought you this far to leave you now. You will survive what you now face and come back stronger, healthier, and more blessed.

Despite what transpired in your past, God has a bright future in front of you. You have come a long way, but you have further to go. There are so many opportunities ahead. So, step forth with a new confidence.

This is your time to receive all of the tremendous blessings God has for you.