Challenge in us

Challenges? We've all got them! Whether it's constantly running late, being a bit clumsy, or dealing with anger and control issues, we're all in the same boat with our own set of hurdles. When my challenges come to light, I sometimes start doubting myself and wonder why I am the way I am. It can lead me into a spiral of second-guessing, where negative thoughts creep in and cloud my perspective. But here's the exciting part: Paul gives us a powerful tool in 2 Corinthians 10:15, where he says, “We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” This paints a picture of our minds as a battlefield, urging us to not just let our thoughts run wild but to bring them under God's guidance. It's like the classic saying about the cup being half empty or half full. Some people seem to radiate happiness all the time, and interestingly, many of them aren't Christians. Let's embrace the challenge and take charge of our thoughts!

Optimism embodies hopefulness and confidence about the future or the successful outcome of any endeavor. It's about always seeing the bright side, the proverbial cup half full. I know a woman who exemplifies this perfectly; no matter what challenges she faces, she always wears a smile. Even if her house were to burn down, she'd likely see it as an opportunity to redecorate with less effort. I firmly believe in finding the positive in every situation, and I strive to do so consistently. Have you ever encountered someone who wakes up brimming with energy? I consider myself a decent morning person; I get up and handle my tasks, but I need my coffee before engaging in conversation. This woman I know, however, wakes up as if she's been fueled by coffee and vitality all night. What fuels her happiness? When I think of optimism, I think of her unwavering joy. I've heard on the Focus on the Family 89.3 radio station that optimism stems from thankfulness. This prompted me to reflect on my own gratitude. Surely, I am thankful; I express gratitude to God regularly. But do I truly mean it? Do I genuinely believe it? Do I follow Paul's advice to take my thoughts captive? The phrase 'take captive' evokes images of war prisoners, held against their will. Do I take steps to improve my mindset, even if it challenges me? I tell my daughter that what we see and hear shapes our hearts. It's crucial to fill our minds with thanksgiving and assurance. I continually remind myself of my tasks, but do I guide my emotions, or do I let them hold my spirit captive?

Pessimism can often lead us to focus on the negatives or expect the worst, clouding our vision of future possibilities. But here's the exciting part: doubt, which makes us feel uncertain, can actually be a powerful catalyst for growth! When someone makes a claim that seems improbable, we might instinctively say, "I doubt it." This doubt can sometimes spiral into pessimistic thoughts, like seeing the cup as half empty or even forgetting where you placed it because you didn't believe it could ever be filled. How often do we overlook a blessing just before it arrives? I've always found myself questioning things, and that's fantastic because it's how we learn! When I question, I dive into the word of God for answers—it's like having a cheat sheet for life's big test. If not there, I turn to God in prayer, trusting the creator of the test itself. I used to confuse questioning with doubt, but now I see it as God's way of nudging me to explore His word. If I didn't care or have the desire to learn, I wouldn't question at all. Sure, doubts still sneak in, and my thoughts sometimes run wild. I wonder if what I say makes a difference, or if anyone reads these words to the end. I question whether I should speak up about my feelings or if silence is wiser. Typing this out feels a bit heavy, like the pressure to please everyone is closing in. But let's remember, when we doubt, we might be sidelining God. So, who do we aim to please—people or God? Let's choose to embrace the adventure of faith and growth!

 Matthew 21:21-22

• Jesus says, "If you have faith and do not doubt, you will receive whatever things you ask in prayer". 

• James 1:6-8

• Says, "But when you ask God, you must believe and not doubt. Anyone who doubts is like a wave in the sea, blown up and down by the wind". 

• Proverbs 3:5-8

• Jesus says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding". 

• Mark 9:24

• Says, "I believe; help my unbelief!".

I strongly relate to John Mark, the author of the Book of Mark. I have faith, yet I sometimes fall short, as we all do, as stated in Romans 3:23. I think of my joyful friend; I don't see her often, but whenever I do, she exudes happiness. I am confident that she, too, experiences doubts or worries. Unlike her, I tend to openly express my feelings, both verbally and through my expressions. I valued others' words of encouragement and felt that sharing my problems made them more manageable. While I believe in discussing issues with others, as iron sharpens iron, I emphasize talking to God more. He alone has the power to truly heal us. 

The Bible is filled with inspirational, uplifting, and encouraging words from God. Instead of listing them, I urge you to read His word to heal your mind, comfort your soul, and lighten your burdens. Embrace it in your heart. If you find it challenging to understand, children's Bibles are a great starting point—I began there myself. True joy comes from being thankful, and gratitude stems from knowing what God has done.

Dear God of Hope,   (Romans 15:13)

I thank you for giving me words to say. I thank you for teaching me as I am teaching others. I thank you for giving me your word, to know that it is good. Showing me just how Good You are. I thank you for sharing Your traits with me, Your power, Your nature through the Bible. I know that if I didn't know you I could never love you. I thank you for loving me before I could love myself. I thank you for opening my mind so see where I doubt and have lack of trust. I thank You for helping me to do good anyways no matter how I am feeling emotionally. I thank you for giving me strength to know that You do have control and authority over everything. I thank You for putting people in my life who I can imitate, look up to spiritually. I thank You for the good examples in my life, so that I can be a good example to others. I pray that not only my words would change the minds of others but that my actions do as well. I pray that I can be reminded daily that it is You who gives me joy, nothing of this world can even compare. I pray that I will not be led astray by my negative thoughts, that I can fight back with scripture that is written on my heart. I pray that I hold every thought captive and submit only to You. I pray that I have given you honor in all that I say and do. I pray my words are leading others to you, and no matter how hard I struggle to share them, that I will be able to do Your will for my calling. I pray that it is in Your will and not mine. I get my strength and courage from You. I pray that others know You and even more come to know you through Your word. I pray I can lead others to the word, and you give them the truth to where they will never thirst again. I thank you for all you have done in my life. I thank you for constantly growing me and changing me. I thank You for joy that surpasses all doubt in my life. You are in control and want what is best for my life. I praise You.

In Jesus Name, Amen