You have a bigger, better and bright future

Sometimes, circumstances don’t turn out the way we plan. We may face disappointments and unfair situations. People can insult and mistreat us.

Or, there are stumbling blocks in our path and we experience an apparent failure. And tears fall from our eyes in sadness.

But rather than getting depressed and discouraged, could it be that God wants to do something better, bigger and brighter in your future? Is it possible that you are being led in another direction for a reason, to bring you more peace, joy or protection?

Did God look down the road and see that a particular venture or person in your life would not be in your best interest, so He intervened and now you’re making a slight detour to your destiny?

No matter the circumstance, remain secure in the knowledge that God loves you and He is with you. Thus, rest in His care, timing and sovereign purpose, for His word says:

— “I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” Genesis 28:15

— “I know the plans I have for you. Plans to prosper you and not harm you, and plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

— “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; listen for His voice in everything you do, He will keep your paths straight.” Proverbs 3: 5,6

— “Do what is right and good in the Lord’s sight, so that it may go well with you and you may go in and take over the good land that the Lord promised on oath to your forefathers.” Deuteronomy 6:18

Awhile ago, a friend of mine told me a fictional story about a wise king who conducted an experiment. The king placed a large rock in the middle of the road, and then he hid behind a tree in the wooded area nearby watching intently. Curious, the king wanted to observe if anyone would make an effort to remove the huge stumbling block from the road.

Time passed, and some of the king’s shopkeepers came by, and simply walked around the stone. A few more minutes elapsed and, in the distance, the king heard people complaining. Some merchants, as they approached the stone, blamed the king for not keeping the roads clear. But, none of them tried to remove the big stone.

Another group drew closer, they saw the barrier and turned around and went in another direction.

Next, a farmer boy walked along the road, carrying a basket of vegetables. The boy approached the rock and with immediacy, he put down his basket and tried to remove the stone from the road. The king watched in awe, as the farm boy tried again and again to push the large rock out of the way.

Finally, the boy succeeded.

And as he bent down to pick up his basket of vegetables, the farm boy noticed a wallet lying in the road where the rock had been placed.

Just then, the king appeared from behind the tree and said, “This wallet is for you.” Wideeyed, the boy was startled. Continuing, the king declared, “The wallet contains gold coins, and I put it there for the person who removed the large rock from the road. Take this gold, and you and your family will live comfortably for the rest of your lives.” The king had a better, bigger and brighter plan for the person who would persist with the right attitude, for obstacles can present opportunities to improve your condition.

Therefore, don’t despair or be shaken by temporary setbacks. One thing that I have learned in my own life is that God’s plans for us are far better than any plans we can make on our own. And perhaps, the challenge you’re coping with transpired so you could dream bigger, be happier, go further, and make a greater impact for others. “I believe that everything happens for a reason,” wrote a reader via email, “God works in mysterious ways.”

Somewhere, I read that a certain type of flower must be gathered in the dark of the night to bring forth its most pleasing scent and the greatest perfume within its petals. As with the fragrant flowers, something lovely and beneficial is being brought about in the momentary darkness. Remember, your future is better, bigger and brighter than these transient, challenging times.

You have so much to offer. God hasn’t taken you this far on your journey to give up on you now. There’s more for you to achieve. Hence, with steadfast faith, wake up each morning and say, “God is taking care of me,” “God is holding me in the palm of His hand” and “God is directing my steps.”

Be at peace, spend time in prayer, and stay thankful for all of your blessings. Listen to your still, small voice. Let your instincts guide you. And keep reaching for your highest and best, boldly looking with hope and confidence to the future. There are great relationships to form, exciting places to visit, creative goals to accomplish, and greater opportunities to come for you to release your full potential.

God does things in such a remarkable way, that before long you will look back and see how beautifully He orchestrated confusing situations, and you’ll say with wonder, “That’s only something God could have done!”

Trust Him. Move forward. And believe in God’s better, bigger and brighter plans. This is a new day. And there are new dreams, new joys and new blessings ahead!

Email Catherine Galasso-Vigorito at cgv@anewyouworldwide.com. To order a copy of her new book, “The Open Window, 8 Weeks to Creating an Extraordinary Life,” visit www.anewyouworldwide.com or bookstores nationwide. Like me on Facebook! Follow Catherine on Instagram @Catherinegalassovigorito.