God gives us grace to do what we are called for

It’s not over.

It has not concluded.

For it is not finished, until God says it’s all done.

We are valuable, significant children of Almighty God, and we have what it takes to fulfill our destiny. Let’s start now to believe in our extraordinary gifts and step onward with positive action. Pray and begin. And let God’s will unfold.

Accomplishing our sincerest heart’s desire may take steadfast faith, unwavering persistence, courage and continual effort. Nothing in life comes easy, there are no shortcuts. The extraordinary requires time. Like the caterpillar that struggles, we too must undergo trials and tribulations before we achieve success. But if we trust God and have an affirmative attitude, He will somehow turn our situations around and like the glorious butterfly, we will emerge victoriously.

God will give us the grace to do what we are called to do.

“Be confident of this very thing, that God who has begun a good work in you will complete it.” Philippians 1:6.

At times, there are many stumbling blocks across our path. It seems as though we take a step forward and we are pushed a few feet back. Adversity may come against us, and we face opposition. Then, we get discouraged, fearful and quit. But regardless of how impossible circumstances appear right now, let’s not forfeit our God-inspired plans and concede. Let go of discouraging and defeatist thoughts. And release negative views of the past.

One evening, my daughter was looking outside through binoculars at a squirrel’s nest. She began to fidget and after a few minutes said, “I cannot see the nest clearly.” And so, my husband simply declared, “Change your focus.”

Sometimes, the storms of life cloud our vision. Therefore, if we are in a difficult circumstance, feeling pessimistic about the future, we must ‘change our focus.’ The way we see ourselves and our situations, are most often the direction in which we move.

So let’s close our eyes and envision ourselves prevailing over that obstacle, see our aspirations attained and picture ourselves sound and healthy. And then, work toward that belief.

As we have to be extremely careful how we think, we should also be mindful of what we say. Let us not ask ourselves, “Will things work out?” Alternatively affirm, “Things will work out.” Switch the first two words. Let’s not question, “Will I overcome this? Instead say, “I will overcome this.” Do not doubt, uttering, “Can I succeed?” In its place, verbalize, “I can succeed.” Switch the first two words, habitually speak out words of faith, and reinforce it with prayer and thanksgiving…and thus, we can transform conditions.

“For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.” (Mark 11:23).

I like this advice from a friend, “God has plans for each of us to use our God-given talents and to reach the heights that each of us was created for.” And if what we endeavor for makes a difference in the lives of others and our goals contribute to their well-being, it accelerates the accomplishment of that objective.

Recently, I read about the life of Mary C. Crowley, founder of Home Interiors & Gifts. To this extraordinary businesswoman, her most precious treasure was her faith in God. And she always gave Him credit for opening doors of opportunity, but she knew it was up to her to work hard and walk through those doors.

Through the years, Mary overcame many personal and professional struggles. She formed in her mind her goals, and believed God was beside her with every step she took. Even in overwhelming adversity, Mary never gave up, for she knew that in God’s precise timing, He would give her each part of His plan for her future, and carry it all to completion.

A reader wrote, “I have been through some very rough times in my life and have always kept my faith. We must never give up on God, because He never gives up on us.”

Let’s believe in ourselves and see in our mind’s eye our dreams achieved, and follow up that vision with positive action. We must speak out good things over our life, and be thankful for the blessings we have and for the blessings that are on the way.

God has the final say, and if it is His will and with His help, one day, it can all miraculously come together.