Look forward to the success that is coming

At a church service, a minister offered an invitation for people to come forth to the altar for prayer. Then the minister encouraged, “At the altar, we have some of the church leaders who are available to offer you prayers of healing.” And with that, he gestured with a sweeping motion indicating the way for the people to walk down to the large, circular altar.

Comforting piano music filled the room while a few in the congregation began making their way down the aisle. A line was forming. And before long, edging closer and closer, most of the congregation was situated around the altar. The minister and the church leaders were taken by surprise by the response and the magnitude to the invitation for prayer.

Later that afternoon, the minister asked his church leaders, “What type of prayer was most needed?”

The leaders revealed, “Two out of three people who came to the altar asked for prayers for their discouragement and depression.”

Next, they continued, “Many people said, ‘I feel unworthy. I'm depressed. And I don't have much of a future anymore.' For many carry the scars of childhood or pains of the past all through their lives.”

Through the years, disappointments, mistakes or unjust circumstances, possibly, have taken their toll. Plans may not go as expected. We could fall on hard times. And mounting problems can seem to overtake us, until we're pushed down to the point that we just give up.

Recently, I read in the Scriptures how even Elijah yielded to discouragement and became depressed as well. Elijah was one of God's greatest prophets. He was not only the worker of miracles, but he also experienced one miracle after another.

Elijah, a widow and the widow's son were provided for during the famine.

Miraculously, Elijah raised the widow's son from the dead, and the child was restored to life.

God had sent ravens to feed Elijah.

And Elijah prayed for a rainstorm that ended the drought.

So why would a man who had experienced some of the most powerful displays of God's power be crippled by fear and hopelessness?

Unable to regain control of his emotions and in the depths of despair, Elijah was physically and emotionally broken down and fragile. He wasn't eating. And with a self-focused perspective, he was drowning in self-pity. Depressed about himself and his work, Elijah isolated himself from other people. He had no strength. He was battling to maintain his faith. Feeling a deep sense of failure, Elijah thought that his best days were over. Seeing no way out of his situation, he was ready to quit and wanted his life to end and uttered, “I've had enough, Lord.”

“Elijah came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep. (1 Kings 19: 4, 5)

But when God is in charge, there is always hope. Thus, do not underestimate what God can do. Even if the odds are stacked against you, don't give up on life for God is not finished with you yet. Interestingly enough, God gave Elijah a prescription to deal with his depression.

First: Get enough rest. (1 Kings 19:5)

Secondly: Eat healthy foods. (1 Kings 19:6)

Third: Spend quiet time with the Lord and by himself in prayer. (1 Kings 19:12)

Fourth: God had Elijah tell Him about the problem, for God knows and designed our need to feel heard and understood and perhaps to deal with the false beliefs that were fueling Elijah's depression. (1 Kings 19:13)

Fifth: Start moving forward with something productive to do. (1 Kings 19:1516)

Patient and gracious, God wanted Elijah to stop crying over the past and to stop running away from his present. And today, perhaps, God is saying the same thing to you.

It's time to “Live again.” God has entrusted you with extraordinary gifts and talents with which to bless the world. You have come too far. You've worked too hard and sacrificed too much to give up on the desires of your heart now. This year, at daylight saving time, I reset the clocks in our home. Likewise, you can reset and start anew.

Your life is not over because of a mistake or setback. God has new friendships, new opportunities and new joys with which to bless you. Your best days are not your yesterdays. Hence, look forward to the happiness and success that is coming.

Daily, remind yourself: “I will not allow a setback to hold me back,” “I'm not going to quit,” “I will prevail over temporary troubles.” Like a letter we address, stamp and then bring to the post office to send out to a friend, send out your words in the direction you want your life to go. Positively declare, “God is guiding me to victory,” “I will conquer this challenge” and “Opportunities are coming my way.”

Remember, God loves you, treasures you and is guiding you. Have a sensitive ear to the still, small voice of God. I believe that soon He is going to use you in a miraculous capacity and will help you to make a difference in the lives of others.

Elijah regained his strength and continued to do his God-given work. And his story reminds me of these words from the hymn:

“Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere? We should never be discouraged: take it to the Lord in prayer. Can we find a friend so faithful, who will all our sorrows, share? He knows our every weakness—take it to the Lord in prayer.”

God bless you as you move ahead to the wonderful future that's in store, knowing that God is preparing the best path 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.