Enter a new season of life
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2)
Over 15-years ago, I began writing a monthly column of appreciation and encouragement for our servicemen and women, and through the column, I became acquainted with a military general. I recall a business lunch we had together at a lovely, scenic shoreline restaurant.
Soon, our conversation turned to a column that I had previously written about the importance of our optimistic thoughts and attitude. The column was illustrated by a ‘grey dog’ and a ‘white dog.’ The general and I agreed how crucial it is to feed our mind continually with good, constructive thoughts. For the mind, like the body, needs to be constantly fed with good things.
“And if we do this,” I concurred, “over a period of time, we can condition our mind so we will automatically react optimistically to most any adverse situations we encounter.”
The general nodded in agreement, as I continued speaking, “We can train our thoughts, as the Bible tells us, to think on whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are lovely and of a good report, cherishing the gift of life, embracing it and making the most of it. Because our thoughts can determine what we will become.”
Just at that precise moment, a lady approached our table. Leaning to me she said in almost a whisper, “I want you to know how much I enjoy your weekly column, Catherine.” Smiling, I replied, “Oh, thank you.”
After that, I introduced her to the general, explaining how I write a monthly column for their publications, as well. Then, the lady expressed sincerely, “I want you to know I loved the column you wrote about the ‘grey dog’ and ‘white dog.’”
I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. The general and I looked at each other in amazement, nodding our heads at the astonishing coincidence. After a thoughtful pause, the general declared enthusiastically, “We were just talking about that same article!”
In that column that I wrote many years prior, I pointed to a story I had heard about an old Indian chief and a young preacher. In the narrative, the two men were talking. The Indian chief uttered, “Ever since I have given my heart to God, dear preacher, I find that within me there is a fight between the grey dog and the white dog.”
Listening contently, the preacher questioned, “Chief, which one wins?” The wise old Indian chief remained silent for a few minutes. Then he gave an insightful answer, “The one that I feed the most.”
What thoughts play in your mind again and again? What words are you speaking over your circumstances?
It’s been said that ‘You attract what you think about, and you can draw in to you what you say.’ What you will be next week is what you have thought, said or done today. The power that will be the strongest tomorrow is the one you have fed this day. Last week at church, they played a beautiful spiritual song. For the rest of the day, that spiritual song played over and over in my mind. In the same way, if you think even one constructive or unconstructive thought, more constructive or unconstructive thoughts can come to you.
Enter into a new season of life. Get your mind off your worrisome circumstances and look towards God. Scripture tells that when Jonah was in the belly of the great fish, he focused on God and uttered, “When I had lost all hope, I turned my thoughts once more to the Lord,” (Jonah 2:7) and God provided a means of rescue. Therefore, keep God foremost in your mind. Ponder upon God’s presence. Cast your cares on Him, and know that He is with you wherever you go, for He will intervene, meet your needs and bring all things together for your highest good.
There is nothing too big or so broken that God cannot renew and restore. “… those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31). God can move the immovable. “…if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move.” (Matthew 17:20). He can turn the word ‘no’ into ‘yes,’ and make a way for victory. “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” (Proverbs 16:3). God can do the impossible. “Everything is possible for him who believes.” (Mark 9:23). And you cannot only regain what you have lost, but in addition, God will give you much more. “I declare that I will restore double to you.” (Zechariah 9:12).
You have struggled long enough. Do not dwell on the pain, mistakes or grievances of the past. What happened before is over and done. Switch your perspective and look ahead with expectation to the many joys and miracles that await. Persist with faith in God, think optimistically, and you may discover that the abundant life for which you’ve been searching is just a few steps away. This week, you can receive an answer to your prayer. This month, you may meet that special person, or an opportunity can come across your path that will bless you and your family. Or, this could be the season that you achieve that long-awaited goal.
God has something amazing in front of you. For the blessings you desire the most are right within your grasp. Hold fast to your hopes and dreams with a new, optimist perspective. And God will use the challenges you’ve faced as stepping stones to take you higher, further, and faster. There is no limit as to what you can still accomplish. So think good thoughts…. and never give up, for your efforts will soon be rewarded.
Thus, do not measure challenges or problems according to your own abilities. Instead, hand situations that you cannot manage yourself over to God … and He will do the rest.