Believe… because actions follow thoughts

Years ago, I was at a sales conference. The speaker asked the audience to write on index cards that were placed at each table our specific dreams and desires.

Years ago, I was at a sales conference. The speaker asked the audience to write on index cards that were placed at each table our specific dreams and desires.

“What is it that you really want in life?” the speaker asked. “Do you know that a year from now you will be exactly what you think over the next year?” he advised. And, smiling he added, “Remember, a firm conviction brings outstanding results, so imagine what you sincerely desire.”

For the next 15 minutes we compiled our list. Looking around the room, I could tell that many of the business people were deep in thought, listing their aspirations; while a few others just shook their head at the assignment.

After a while, the speaker instructed us to take the ‘goal index cards’ with us home and study them a few times each day. He also recommended repeating our goals aloud again and again. “What we receive in life largely depends on what we look for, so mentally imagine and declare your life as you would like it to be and then put action behind those good ambitions,” he stated.

Tapping his pen on the podium the speaker affirmed, “Then, truly believe that you can have what you desire,” the speaker suggested, “and your mind will find ways to accomplish it.”

In the years that followed, I kept those index cards at my desk and gazed at them often. And you know what?

Each and every goal that I wrote on those little index cards came to pass. Was it easy? No, it took a lot of work, steadfast faith, patience and persistence. And to this day, I still have a ‘Goals List” that I keep close by me, thus, I can view it daily.

The message is this: If you have a fixed goal, a clear picture, step by step visualizing the fulfillment of your heart’s desire, and work hard toward it, you can achieve your objective.

Whatever you believe, can come true in your life. Therefore, believe, just believe. There is a genuine power in believing.

The Bible tells us these unalterable truths:

“All things are possible to him that believeth.” Mark 9:23.

“Don’t be afraid; just believe.” Mark 5:36.

“If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” Matthew 21:22.

“I will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee.” Isaiah 26:3.

Accordingly, pray and declare God’s promises. As you do, you’ll see Him move mightily on your behalf.

In the Scriptures, in Acts 27, I read about the Apostle Paul. He was a prisoner and he and some others were being transported by ship when a fierce storm arose. A wind of hurricane force, swept the ship violently and for days the storm continued raging. All of the passengers gave up hope of being saved. But an angel of God said to Paul, “Fear not,” to not be afraid and told him that they would all survive. Paul knew he could believe in the word of God, so in the midst of the violent storm he encouraged the men to be courageous and that they would be saved. He said, “…be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be just as it was told me.” And it

was. They all survived.

An old Latin proverb reads, “Believe that you have it, and you have it.” When you encounter a negative circumstance, believe it will soon turn around in your favor. When you face discouragement, believe you will ultimately prevail over it and emerge happier than before. If you are tumbled about with affliction, believe that you will triumph over your adversity… and the odds are that you will.

And so, choose the right images in your mind’s eye. See yourself as an exceptional person, and allow your potential to flourish and thrive. Picture yourself accomplishing your goals, overcoming difficulties, and fulfilling your destiny. Visualize yourself the way you aspire to be and keep that image in front of you. Regardless of your circumstance, your state of mind must be belief, for you can have what you believe, because actions do follow thoughts.

Some time ago, a dear friend of mine called me very depressed because of an ongoing adverse situation she faced. After listening to her concerns, I suggested that she think positively and believe her situation would turn around. Then, I suggested that daily she apply precise, positive words to meet her distinct need. “Instead of voicing aloud the problems, articulate how you wish your conditions could be,” I said.

As a result, my friend did this, voicing boldly positive expressions. Within days, told me she found relief from her troubles and was on the path to prevailing over them.

Declare your high expectations. Proclaim new opportunities to come your way, state that situations will change directions and strongholds will be released. Announce them into action. For when you acknowledge the good, the good will increase. Moreover, as with my friend, you must believe that what you desire is possible. Hold an optimistic outlook, speak aloud confirmatory words, and believe you will attain positive outcomes.

The world we live in day by day is what we make it to be… thus, let’s think upon the things we want to see reflected in our lives. English writer of the early 20th century, G. K. Chesterton once said, “The optimist is a better reformer than the pessimist: and the man who believes life to be excellent is the one who alters it most.”

So, unleash forces that will bring achievement, by positively thinking and firmly believing. Most importantly, ask God to bless your worthwhile endeavors and to help you, and then believe in Him. By doing so, you can achieve your desires…you can succeed… for all you need to do is “believe.”