You have another victory within your grasp
“Most people have achieved their greatest success just one step beyond their greatest failure.” Napoleon Hill.
One rainy weekend afternoon, my daughters and I were sitting on the bleachers at the high school gym. Happy to be together, we were watching my oldest daughter’s friend, Carrie, play basketball with a few of her classmates.
Early on in the game, we saw Carrie dive for the ball. But she stumbled and landed on her stomach on the court. The spectators in the gymnasium quieted, as Carrie rubbed her chin, stood up and charged forward.
Next, dribbling the ball, Carrie jumped to make a basket. However, she slipped and fell to her knees. As she stood back up on her feet, Carrie managed to give us a halfsmile. Then, quickly Carrie dashed for the ball.
Before long, she tripped again. My daughters and I exchanged confused glances.
Instead of quitting, though, Carrie scurried up. She did not hesitate and got herself into position for what her next move would be.
No matter how many times Carrie failed or fell, she didn’t just throw in the towel, make an excuse and sit on the sideline. Without missing a beat, she bounced back. She stayed in the game, sincerely making another effort to succeed.
When the game was finished, my middle daughter cupped her hands over each side of her mouth and whispered, “Mom.” She tugged at my arm. “Carrie would be a great, professional basketball player.”
Sitting next to her grinning I shrugged my shoulders and questioned, “Why do you think so, honey?” She let out a long, deep breath, leaned toward me and uttered, “Because she is not afraid to fall.”
How do you respond to a setback, an unfair situation or an apparent failure? Do you get bitter, resentful, and then sit back on the sideline and quit? Or else, do you act like Carrie, and rise up and try again?
Life can knock us down permanently if we allow it. If it’s not one thing, it is another. And if we’re not careful, our mind might get into a low place. Thereafter, we may think about all of the reasons why we should, “give up, take the easy way out,” and “just settle.”
“It won’t ever get any better,” and “I’ve missed my chance,” you could downheartedly say, during moments of despair.
Are there hopes, dreams and goals that you have talked yourself out of pursuing?
Regardless of what has happened, you must not give up hope for the future. Don’t shortchange yourself or let anything drag you down. Life will be brighter again. So stand up tall. For when you experience challenging circumstances, remember, “The Lord will stand with you and give you strength” (2 Timothy 4:17). and assured him that he and the people would obtain the land. So, don’t be frightened for what you are confronted with now. Persist onward. For you
his immense power with no other, and will work a miracle. ‘Be strong and
never leave or forsake
a young shepherd boy to be king, as he defeated a sling shot and a stone. Before your new level of blessings, there might be a battle to be will not turn His back on you. He cares for you as one of His very own, and He will give you the strength you need to succeed. So, have faith and boldly say as David said, ‘The battle is the Lords.’ (1 Samuel 17). he would save Israel, although and unqualified. Despite so-called shortcomings, lack or limitations, believe an exceptional purpose for your life. Thus, let go of previous disappointments and turn your “I can’t” into “I can, I won’t” into “I will,” and your “dreams” into “plans.”
So focus on your next step. There are infinite possibilities ahead. Whether it takes five, ten or even 100 attempts, continue to persevere. You have what it takes to be victorious. Like the butterfly that fights to break free from the cocoon, there can be struggles before the outpour of blessings. Last fall, I recall hiking up a long mountain trail with my family. The beginning path was easy. Yet, the longer we hiked uphill and the closer we got to the top, the terrain became more difficult.
Recognize that as you near the border of your breakthrough and endeavor to attain your heart’s desires, that the path might not be easy. Yet, as you advance, you learn important lessons along the way that can allow you to help more people. That’s why you cannot allow obstacles to distract or deter you. Place those stumbling blocks under your feet and use them as stepping stones as you strive forward.
ways, and He is strategically arranging the logistics. He is moving people in a position so they can help you. And
circumstances to bless your future. You are on the threshold of something incredible. Victory is right within your grasp. And new opportunities, friendships and joys should present themselves to you shortly. and, “… throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” (Hebrews 12:1). You have come a long way. However, you have further yet to go.
Stay in the game. And the outcome will be far better than you could ever have imagined.
Write to Catherine Galasso-Vigorito by sending an email to cgv@anewyouworldwide.com To order a copy of her new book “The Open Window, 8 Weeks to Creating an Extraordinary Life,” visit www.anewyouworldwide. com or bookstores nationwide.