There is a world of possibilities waiting for you

Awhile back, a business associate of mine and his wife traveled to Paris. They had planned the trip for years; when they returned, my family and I went to their home to watch a slideshow of their fabulous trip. As we sat there on the couch and viewed the photographs, there were sights from Italy, Spain and Germany.

There was a moment of stunned silence. Then, I said wondering, a bit confused, “I thought you only went to France?”

“Well, that was our original plan,” my associate’s wife revealed. “However, our tour guide suggested that we make some changes to our itinerary to enhance our trip and to make it more memorable.”

After that, she declared with a flash of certainty, “We decided to take the tour guide’s advice. He knows best, after all, so we followed his lead.”

Likewise, just as the tour guide changed our neighbor’s travel plans, as we progress on our life’s course, God may alter certain circumstances for our great good. Thus, never fret when plans change, you’re moved in an unexpected direction, or a door closes. With a positive mindset, keep on persisting. Proceed with faith and determination. There’s no limit as to where God is going to take you. So fully trust in Him, for He sees the big picture. God knows best, so follow His lead. And similar to the tour guide, God does not take us on alternate routes or hinder our plans to ruin the trip, but to enhance our journey and make it better and more memorable.

And so,

— “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

— “Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for Him to act.” (Psalm 37:7)

— “For the God of your father will increase you a thousand times and bless you as He has promised.” (Deuteronomy 1:11)

I read in the Bible when Joseph was thrown in prison for a crime he didn’t commit, it was difficult to see how this adverse situation would work together for good. Yet, God was with Joseph, and He gave him gifts and capabilities that could not be hidden even within the walls of a jail cell. A prison keeper befriended Joseph and learned of his divine ability to interpret dreams. And before long, Joseph was called upon to interpret a dream for the Pharaoh. Joseph accurately foretold that seven years of abundance would be followed by a time of great famine. And because of Joseph’s gift of deciphering dreams, the Pharaoh appointed some men to oversupply grain, storing up their harvest for the shortage of food that was to come.

Therefore, a nation was saved from future starvation. Joseph chose to have an optimistic, faithful attitude and God gave him unusual wisdom. In time, God’s purpose became clear, and Joseph was brought into view with the victory. Joseph was rewarded with overseeing the lands of Egypt, going from a prison to a palace.

In this Bible story, what first appeared to be a huge problem was actually God positioning to advance Joseph on to something far greater. Scripture says, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” ( John 13:7)

Today, you may be experiencing challenges, but don’t underestimate what God can do for you. Remember, you control the doorway of your mind. Rather than replaying negative thoughts over again and listening to self-dialog that might say, “I can’t achieve my goals,” “This problem is going to defeat me” and “It is not going to work out,” conversely, stand strong and utter, “Wonderful things are going to happen to me,” “I will succeed” and “I’m grateful for all that is good and right in my life.” Then, make up your mind to turn your attention on God and all the possibilities He has for your future.

So, each morning, embrace the attitude that believes:

— “This problem is not going to stop me; it is going to advance me.”

— “My situation may look impossible, yet God will cause me to triumph over it.”

— “I may have spent years in this adverse circumstance, but God is restoring the years that were stolen.”

— “My hands may be tied with this problem; however, God’s hands are not tied, and a solution is on its way.”

I recall when a friend of mine called me and began to describe all the issues she has been up against. After listening to her dilemmas, I told her that I read in four places in the Bible where Jesus fed the multitudes. “But here is the key,” I said. “Before He could multiply the five loaves and two fishes to feed over 5,000 people, the food had to be placed in His Hands.”

Right now, that is what we need to do. Let’s place our problems and concerns in His mighty Hands. Don’t let the challenges of life get you down. All that you’ve gone through in the past is preparation for the good that God is going to help you to accomplish in the future. God wants to do so much more for you. And as you trust in His plan and purposes, He will guide and lead you to new joys and opportunities. And you’ll be in places greater than you ever imagined.

Our sweet gray cat, Sam only wants us to pet him at 6 a.m. in the morning and then again in the evening about 8 p.m. Like clockwork, he jumps up to where we are sitting, brushes his downy fur next to our hand, and wants to snuggle close. Similarly, God’s schedule is like clockwork. Hence, let’s allow Him to mold us into the masterpiece He designed. And when God whispers, “It’s time,” suddenly, your dreams will transpire.

There is a world of possibilities waiting for you. This could be the month, the week or the day that God steps in and you get the breakthrough that you need. And you’ll receive all of the amazing blessings that He has in store for you.

Email Catherine GalassoVigorito 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.

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