Life is going to take a sudden, positive turn

Painter, sculptor, architect and poet, Michelangelo has widely been considered the most artistic genius who ever lived. His magnificent works of art are numerous; and in 1508, Michelangelo was commissioned by Pope Julius II to paint the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican.

To be able to reach the high ceiling, Michelangelo made a scaffold of his own. He created a flat wooden platform on brackets built out from holes in the wall, high up near the top of the windows. In great physical discomfort, Michelangelo had to stand upright on this scaffold while he painted. Hour by hour, he worked with his face looking upwards. Although totally committed to the project, Michelangelo agonized from severe back pain, as he reached above his head to paint.

Michelangelo wrote a sonnet about his despair. He detailed his daily suffering, and his feelings of inadequacy while painting the ceiling of the Chapel. Yet, Michelangelo carried on with his work. He didn’t give in to doubts or allow the negative voices in his head to talk him out of this task. Rather, Michelangelo set his sights for victory. Then, day after day, month after month, with strength and fortitude, he persisted.

Michelangelo once wrote, “The greater danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short; but in setting our aim too low, and achieving our mark.”

It’s been said that approximately 25,000 people visit the Sistine Chapel every day. They stand in awe as they view one of the greatest masterpieces of all time.

Remember, God won’t ask you to do something unless He gives you the strength to do it. So with steadfast faith, take the bumps in the road in stride and move boldly ahead with your goals.

An old English proverb tells us, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” Thus, refuse to be stopped by a challenging situation. Do not be like a wave in the sea going back and forth with doubts. Reach higher, go farther. There is something that you have that someone else needs. Hence, don’t let obstacles, rejections, or unjustified feelings of worthlessness limit you. You’re competent and can achieve great things, so don’t place limits on your capabilities. You have so much to offer and must believe in the intention that God created you to fill. For God is saying to you today, “Set your sights for victory.”

•Conditions might be difficult for you right now. However, set your sights for victory. You are capable of rising above disappointments and standing strong until the tide turns.

•The goals of your heart may be taking a long time to transpire. But, set your sights for victory. If God inspired your aspirations, He will give you the strength to persevere and will bless your efforts.

•Your dream may look impossible right now. Yet, set your sights for victory. For if you keep walking toward your dream, God will be right next to you, walking with you to success.

•You might have been rejected and pushed to the side. Still, set your sights for victory. If you persist through opposing forces, your determination will be rewarded.

A while back, I read about a woman who from an early age dreamed of becoming a writer. But just as her aspiration was beginning to take shape, tragedy struck. She lost her beloved mother. Her marriage ended. It was one adversity after the other. And she found herself destitute, raising her daughter alone, barely surviving on financial assistance from the government. The woman was lonely, depressed and feeling like a complete failure. It looked like the end. Yet, she found the fortitude to persevere. The odds were against her. Nevertheless, she didn’t allow her tough circumstances dictate to her or stop her good plans for the future.

Instead, the want-to-be author drew on her adverse personal experiences, and on an old typewriter, she worked and reworked her writings. It took time. But she didn’t quit. Diligently, the woman changed and edited the book’s chapters many times over, ensuring she was producing her best work.

In 1995, she completed the manuscript for her first book. And although the manuscript was rejected by twelve publishers, the woman kept on trying. Finally, a publisher agreed to publish the book. In spite of that achievement, the editor told her to ‘get a day job’ for she’d never make enough money to live on writing children’s books. She had no platform, resources or connections.

However, negative predictions didn’t stop this woman. She set her sights for victory. The woman kept growing, learning, persisting, and refused to allow limitations or past failures to take her off track. Then, suddenly, life took a sudden, positive turn.

Within five years, J.K. Rowling’s Potter books became a publishing phenomenon. They have broken sales records, received awards, been made into movies, and have garnered worldwide attention, selling more than 400 million copies.

When things aren’t working out or you’re going through a difficult circumstance, don’t magnify the wrong and let it overwhelm you. Your suffering is not permanent. And like J.K. Rowling, life will take a sudden, positive turn and your sorrows will be turned to joy.

Last weekend, I cleaned out my craft closet; and when I was finished organizing the shelves, I stood back and said to myself, “There is a lot of space.”

When I cleared away the old, unwanted items, there was much more room for new craft supplies.

In the same way, when we empty out the negative thoughts and feelings from our mind, we can make room for the new, creative, positive things that could be there. You control what you think about. So, don’t hold on to bitterness or past offenses. Stop beating yourself up for unintentional mistakes. Do not keep talking about your problems. Or shrink back in despair. Be free of the past; the guilt, regrets, and let go of everything that is holding you back from peace, happiness and accomplishments.

Therefore, “See the positive side, the potential, and make an effort.” (Dalai Lama).

Before long, your time will come. One day soon, you will go places that you’ve never dreamed you would go. You’ll experience amazing blessings. You will realize your heart’s desires. And you’ll bless others in the process.

Set your sights for victory! And victory will set its sights on you!