A Positive Outlook
Ready:
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
-Joshua 1:9
Set
Picture this: It is the bottom of the eighth inning. There is one out with men on first and second. Your team, down by three, desperately needs a hit to stay in the game, and you are next up to bat. Do you give up or do you rise to the challenge?
God gives us all unexpected challenges. But in many ways, those unexpected challenges are opportunities to step up and shine. He gives us these opportunities, not as ways to punish us, but as opportunities to show others around us how powerful and mighty He is. He gives us these challenges so that we can rise above them as He lifts us up. If we look at them as opportunities instead of obstacles, God will take care of the rest.
After being shut out for two straight games, it would have been easy to give up and accept defeat early. Colorado Rockies left fielder Matt Holliday, however, was in this precise situation and decided to step up to the challenge. He hit a monster homerun to tie the score in their game against the Padres. Shortly after, right fielder Brad Hawpe hit a game-winning two-run homerun to win the game. Both players used the specific gifts that God had given them. They were not discouraged, but rather looked at the situation as a positive opportunity.
Today, keep in mind that, with God, all opportunities are positive.
Go
1. What obstacles do you have in your life? Do you look at them as opportunities?
2. Do you look at challenges as obstacles positively or negatively?
3. What has God done in your life to show how mighty He is?
Workout
Romans 5:1-5
2 Thessalonians 1:4-5
James 1:2-4
Bible Reference:
James 1
