There is a world of opportunity before you

In your hands, you hold the potential for greatness.

Will you grasp onto your one-ofa-kind ability?

Will you share your unique talents with the world?

Will you make the utmost of your precious life?

Today, stretch to a larger vision, extend your scope and reach for an extraordinary future. There are doors of opportunities set before you that are just waiting to be opened. Therefore, persist, taking steps ahead, and begin to live the exceptional life that God intends for you.

God works in mysterious ways. His resources and power and willingness to give are limitless. God can make more of your life than you ever dreamed possible, exceedingly and abundantly above all you can even ask or think. Yet, sometimes, we can limit God by our thinking. For much of life is a function of our thoughts. So, we must eliminate negative mindsets. Thoughts will try to convince you that you don’t deserve to be blessed. Then, you might start feeling unworthy, not expecting anything good to happen, and pondering on what you ‘can’t do.’ But, it’s imperative that you reverse this kind of thinking. Instead, let us see ourselves strong, overcoming obstacles, accomplishing our God-inspired goals, and rising to new heights.

A very simple children’s story holds the proven key to success. Remember the little engine that said over and over again, “I think I can, I think I can, I think I can.” And guess what? He could.

There are no impossible dreams. No matter your current circumstances, despite setbacks or hindrances, you can emerge victorious and carve out a wonderful life.

I read a story about thoroughbred horses. When thoroughbreds run, they wear blinders to keep their eyes focused straight ahead with no distractions. They hear the crowd, but they don’t listen. They just run their own race. That is what we have to do. Never take critics to heart. Release past offenses. Do not pay attention to negative remarks. Run your own race, believe in yourself, persevere and follow your own special aspirations. Our decision to courageously act upon our desires, to focus on the affirmative, to get up again if we fall and be a positive role model to those in need will have a greater impact than you could ever imagine. When we dare to think on new ideas and fresh innovation, lives are influenced, universities are established, cures are found, and businesses are launched, affecting generations to come.

You have so much to offer. Thus, never limit your vision for yourself and your future. Helen Keller wrote, “I seldom think about my limitations, and they never make me sad. Perhaps there is just a touch of yearning at times; but it is vague, like a breeze among flowers.”

Most everyone who has accomplished something worthwhile has overcome difficult circumstances. With the right outlook and a never-give-up attitude, the adversities that we experience can be used for the greater good and help others. Ludwig van Beethoven is widely regarded as one of history’s greatest composers. And his reputation and genius have inspired generations of composers, musicians and audiences. But when Beethoven was in his late 20s, he began to lose his hearing and was often in poor health. He did not accept his limitations and give up on his dreams. Beethoven continued to produce notable masterpieces throughout his life, even in the face of this personal disaster.

Maybe all the odds seem to be against you. Perhaps, you have suffered through no fault of your own in the past. And, possibly, you are full of fear and doubt about the future. But success is not determined by having been “dealt a good hand.” It is determined by taking the hand you were dealt and utilizing it to the best of your ability. And when we give something our total effort, we win regardless of the outcome. The personal satisfaction of trying our best makes each of us winners and positively influences those around us. Awhile ago, I heard about a woman who lost her left leg to cancer. In spite of this, she took up long-distance running by using a prosthesis. She overcame her limitations, trained, persevered and earned a gold medal in the 5000 meters at the Disabled Sports Summer Games. “If there is something you want to do, there is no reason why you cannot do it,” she exclaimed.

The words of this poem say it all:

“If you think you are beaten you are,

If you think you dare not, you don’t,

If you’d like to win, but you think you can’t,

It is almost certain you won’t.

For out in the world we find,

Success begins with a person’s will,

It’s all in the state of mind.

You have to think high to rise,

You’ve got to be sure of yourself before

You can ever win the prize.

Life’s opportunities don’t always go

To the stronger or faster man,

But sooner or later the person who wins

Is the one who thinks he can.”

Who knows what phenomenal things you can achieve for the good of mankind? God is always giving us occasions to move forward in this life. Get a new perspective of yourself and how God sees you. He loves you and approves of you just the way you are now. So, thank God, pray for His perfect will, and step out in faith knowing that He will be there, right by your side.

Reader Linda Wendt wrote, “Nothing is impossible for God. He knows you and wants only the best for you.” Experience God’s best today. Keep hoping, believing, praying and keep on keeping on. There is a world of opportunity before you. Hence, be willing to establish your goals, pursue your vision, work hard and stay focused to make them a reality.

And … think you can.