There is a peanuts cartoon where a fly ball is hit to Lucy. Lucy lines up under the ball to catch it, but at the last moment moves out of the way and the ball drops to the ground. She then goes to Charlie Brown and says, “I thought I had it, but suddenly I remembered all the others I’ve missed. The past got in my eyes.”
Sometimes past mistakes can keep us from trying again or prevent success from occurring. We need to remember that God has designed us for a wonderful purpose. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10. When we focus on God’s Word and promises in our lives, we can be encouraged to keep learning and keep improving. Paul in Colossians 3:2 implores us to Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. The message from God, who is omnipresent, is that He will always be with us. With God’s help we can pursue God pleasing goals and not be discouraged by failure. As Jesus stated, “Everything is possible for one who believes.” Mark 9:23.
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We were created to give God glory and we do this by honoring God with how we spend our time and resources. When we approach life with a growth mindset we will strive to do our best. As we grow in our knowledge of God, it affects all aspects of our lives. Our desire for improvement comes from God so that we can better serve Him. Having a growth mindset means willing to be uncomfortable at times. In seeking to learn or try new things, there will be times of failure. Failure is okay. It just means that learning is occurring and with continued focused effort it will lead to improvement! There was an ad several years ago by the clothing company, American Giant. The company’s goal is to make the greatest sweatshirt ever made. The ad talks about the importance of willing to be uncomfortable. Comfortable isn’t comfortable Comfortable never got up before dawn Comfortable won’t get its hands dirty Comfortable has nothing to prove Comfortable can’t get the job done Comfortable doesn’t have new ideas Comfortable won’t dive in head first Comfortable isn’t the American dream Comfortable has no guts Comfortable never dares to be great Comfortable falls apart at the seams Don’t get comfortable God desires for us to grow in our faith. This in turn causes growth in all areas of our life when we boldly follow God’s will for our lives. With God in our lives, how we view situations, circumstances, and other people changes for the better! As we follow God’s purpose for our lives we will need to become comfortable with being uncomfortable at times. Change is a natural part of life. To follow God in our life we need to be willing to keep learning and keep growing. Dick Biggs, speaker and author, has a poem about the importance of having the right attitude towards change. Life’s turning points are as sure as the tide Just a matter of when, so why not decide? To embrace these transitions as ways to grow ‘Tis folly to ignore what you already know. Make a vow to adapt to the crises of life There’s no reason to suffer more stress or strife. Quite often change becomes a blessing in time While making you wiser in pursuit of your prime. No change is impossible, no one is exempt You can step out in faith or shrug with contempt. Life comes in cycles, no two are the same To claim nothing’s new is a naïve game. Some change is impractical, some things must endure You need worthwhile values, so profound and pure. Plus a noble purpose to guide you each day And give life meaning as you forge your way. But most things do change, it’s a natural law You can believe this is truth or stand there in awe. It may be uncomfortable, it may cause pain--- Won’t a regretful heart be a greater strain? With every change, there’s an outcome to bear So accept the challenge, for life’s seldom fair. Be willing to risk and you’re bound to find More courage and strength from a positive mind. Be bold, be daring, be receptive to change For most things are better when you rearrange. Get out of the rut, seek a new vitality Move beyond the old to a fresh reality. Ah, life has turning points, they won’t disappear Rise up to greet them and conquer your fear. The choice is simple, it’s as clear as can be: Will I master change or will change master me? When asked to describe significant regrets in their lives, most people focus on actions they did not take rather than on actions that they did. When people do not have a clear passion or purpose it can lead to indecision and a lack of direction. Christians know that we have a clear purpose for our lives. It is guided by God as the ultimate leader. Seek God and let Him direct your life. Know that with God all things are possible! Faith enables us to serve in God pleasing ways. Our purpose is to show God’s love to others.
I'm going with Jesus all the way I'm going with Jesus all the way You can't stop me, You can't turn me I'm going with Jesus all the way Sometimes I have to fast and pray Sometimes I have to steal away Sometimes I have to cry out help me Lord (OH YES) I know if I hold my peace, the Lord will take care of me. I'm going with Jesus all the way Everybody, just clap your hand (A little louder) Come on, just clap your hand (A little louder) If you love Him, just clap your hand (A little louder) All the save folks, just clap your hand (A little louder) Come on and just clap your hand (A little louder) All the church folks, just clap your hand (A little louder) All the deacons, just clap you hand (A little louder) I'm going, with Jesus I'm going, with Jesus I'm going, with Jesus Pack it up Pack it up , get ready Anybody want to go Pack your bags, come on I'm going sing that man who died for me I'm going, with Jesus I'm going, with Jesus I'm going, with Jesus |
Micah StohlmannChristian, author, and professor of mathematics education. Archives
September 2023
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