Victory starts in one’s thought-life

American portrait painter, John Singer Sargent, a gifted landscape painter and watercolorist of his generation, once created a small painting of a panel of roses. His critics, who criticized his works for making his subjects seem more beautiful than they thought they were, praised this smaller work of art.

Sargent was offered great sums of money for the panel of roses piece. Yet, he refused to sell it. When asked, “Why won’t you part with this noteworthy piece?” purportedly, Sargent said that whenever he was discouraged or doubtful of his worth or his talents and capabilities, he would look closely at this particular painting. Next, he thought to himself: “I painted this...”

The picture reminded him that he had accomplished something great. Then, as Sargent reflected on productive, beneficial, positive thoughts, his confidence would return.

I’ve heard it said, “As a person thinks, so is that person.” Similar to a mirror, your thought-life can reflect back to you what you think into it. Thought is one of the greatest powers you possess, for your life can become what you think. And will make the world what you want it to be.

So today, take inventory of your thoughts. What do you find yourself focusing on the most?

One idea to get your thoughts going in a positive direction is to set aside ten minutes, and recall some of the great things you have done in the past. Think of achievements in all areas of your life. Mediate on

these successes. While forward action and progress are important, it’s just as significant to ponder upon what you’ve already achieved. Next, get a sheet of paper and a pen and make a list of accomplishments for which

you are proud. And keep the list on hand to look

at throughout the year.

Whatever may come, victory starts in your thoughts. You are a child of God, His masterpiece, created in His likeness and image. You’re valuable and special with tremendous abilities and inborn strengths. You are a bright light and have so much yet to give to the world.

Thus, put aside any self-defeating judgments about yourself. God has a remarkable future in store for you. Miracles are waiting to happen. Your breakthrough is near. And your hopes and dreams are within reach. So don’t stop the new things God wants to do in your life because you’re dwelling on negative thoughts.

Each day, go forth in faith and peace. And in your thought-life:

• Think as though you’re blessed.

• With the words you speak, talk as though you are blessed.

• As you walk, carry yourself as though you’re blessed. • See the best in every situation. • And expect God to do something great.

A while ago, I heard a legend about a wise king who supplied the people of his village with everything that they needed. There were storehouses of vast supplies in the village that could be given to the people at their very request. All the villagers had to do was ask, and their petition would be granted.

However, the king had one stipulation. The villagers had to be on the look-out. They needed to be watchful, expectantly waiting and ready to receive what they requested. In the same way the villagers needed to be prepared, we too, need to be watchful, expectantly waiting and ready to receive God-given opportunities and joys that await.

In your mind’s eye, visualize yourself surrounded by exactly the things you desire. In every direction, picture the blessings that you seek coming to you. And ask God for them. Ask with faith, believing you will receive them. Last Christmas, my daughter wanted wooden Russian Nesting dolls for a gift. The brightly painted dolls are made in such a way that they can be taken apart to reveal smaller dolls fitting within one another compactly. Every nesting doll is smaller than the previous one. Therefore, you’re surprised as you find additional dolls. Likewise, God is going to surprise you. He hasn’t taken you this far to abandon you now. And each surprise will be better than the last.

And so, this week, be on the lookout. For, soon, you are going to see God’s favor come to pass.

• A door may have closed. Pray and look to God for what can be, as He has something better on the way. There is a new beginning in front of

“God will bestow on you a you. As, crown of beauty, instead of ashes.”

(Isaiah 61:3).

• Circumstances might be giving you cause to worry. However, God is with you always. He watches over you and holds you in His hands. So thank God that He is

“there is directing your steps, thus, no need to be anxious about anything.”

(Philippians 4:6). • Perhaps, you’re feeling weak. Stay hopeful; stay positive. God is renewing your strength like the

“Those who trust in the eagle. For, 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).

• Or maybe someone has upset you. Leave the hurts behind and move onward. Don’t let anything get you off course, knowing that, “You are more than a conqueror through Him that loves you.”

(Romans 8:37).

I like a quote that a reader sent to me that read,

“Faith does not believe that God can, it knows that God will.”

With an optimistic state of mind, open your eyes to the amazing possibilities around you. God has a great plan for you. Hence, make room for all the good things you want to transpire in your life, first in your own thinking.

Give your best to the world, for you have so much to offer and the best will come back to you. Because when you change your thoughts, you transform your world.