I believe that deep within us lies the resources we need to meet any crisis, adversity or unwanted change. These resources are often buried beneath doubts and old destructive messages. But we can uncover them, collect new information and alter our thinking to accommodate old frames of reference.
Remember the first time you said to yourself, if so and so can do it, then so can I? When I was going through my adversities and life altering unwanted changes, I would, after the initial slam of reality, remind myself that people had endured far greater challenges than I and had weathered the storms of life. If others could, then so could I.
Yet, I recognized that I needed to honor my own journey through difficult times and not devalue it just because someone else had gone through worse adversities.
No matter how strong our determination and resolve, however, we can’t do it alone. We need the support and love of others. And even more important, we need to know that we are not alone – God is with us. It is there we find the faith and grace and courage needed to take that next step.
When God brought the people of Israel out of slavery in Egypt, they entered the desert to receive training. When their education was complete, they were to move out of their desert and cross the river Jordan into the land God had given them. But they were afraid and thought of all the reasons why they couldn’t step forward. Even though God had equipped them, they were not willing to take the next step and ended up wandering for another 40 years.
This month, we will explore the different mindsets that can either help us move forward or will keep us wandering our deserts.
©2013 Marlene Anderson