Lt. Col Jimmy Doolittle led the raid on Japan in response to the attack on Pearl Harbor. In the movie Pearl Harbor, he gives us this powerful quote, “victory belongs to those who believe in it the most and believe in it the longest. We’re gonna believe.” Belief is a powerful force. It’s so powerful that God reminds us time and time again to trust in His promises and His power even when the situations we're facing seem impossible. Even when the obstacles seem too big to overcome. Every team needs positive players and optimistic coaches who have an unwavering belief – belief that they will fulfill their potential, belief in each other, and belief that they can overcome adversity. When doubt and a lack of belief creep in it fuels fear, negativity and complaining. It sucks the energy and can-do spirit right out of the room. Doubt also divides the locker room. If you’ve ever been in a locker room, you know what I’m talking about. Negativity spreads like wildfire!

In the book of Numbers (chapters 13-14), we find the story of Moses and the Israelites as they are preparing to enter the Promised Land. They were delivered from 400 years of slavery and oppression and Moses sent out 12 spies to scout out the land. Ten came back with a negative report based in fear. Two came back with a positive report rooted in faith. The Positive 2, Joshua and Caleb, remembered God’s promise and his mighty power to save and deliver his people. They had a different attitude than the other ten (Hebrews 14:24). In the end, the ten negative complainers were struck down with a plague and died immediately and the entire rest of that generation wandered around until they died just short of experiencing God’s promise. The faithful, positive 2 along with a new generation entered the promised land – the land flowing with milk and honey. Keeping a positive attitude and remaining optimistic takes work; it’s a mental battle.

You can listen to one of two voices – the “negative critic” or the “positive coach”. It’s up to you. The negative critic ignores what’s possible and instead focuses on the problems. The positive coach focuses on the power and promises of God and confronts the challenge head on! When you hear the negative report from the naysayers, make sure they can hear your positive voice loud and clear! Let’s be the Positive 2. Let’s rest on the promises in God’s Word and rely on His great power over our circumstances.