
Why is this happening? I am not for sure but maybe this occurred because today I received my last paycheck ... maybe it is because I am still unemployed ... maybe it is because I am trying to figure out tomorrow instead of staying in today ... maybe it is because Satan wants me to focus on him and not on my God ... maybe it is because my future at this point is so uncertain. Whatever is the cause of the churning in my stomach, it has not gone away.
I am left with two options: (1) I can allow this fear to overcome me; or (2) I can remain focused on God and know without a doubt His promises are for me. Will I choose to be a "Caleb or a Coward? Will I be "Daring or Defeated"? Will I be "Pitiful or Powerful"?
I think of the story in the Bible where the children of Israel faced their giants. God had led them to the promised land and showed them the beauty of it (how it was overflowing with milk and honey). Despite what God showed them, they got the same sick feeling in their stomachs. Moses had sent Joshua, Caleb, and ten other men into the land of Canaan (the promised land) to check it out. They discovered the land was full of good fruit. Everything the land had to offer was all they had dreamed it would be and all God said it was. There was only one problem ... the inhabitants of this land were giants.
When the scouts returned to let the people of Israel and Moses know what awaited them, only two gave a good report. The other ten were so focused on the giants that they lost view of the promise. Caleb and Joshua focused on the positive, knowing that the giants were already defeated by God's favor on Israel.
This is how I am feeling right now. My giants ... what the world is showing me and trying to tell me ... are huge. In my feeble mind I cannot defeat them. I see no hope in my situation. Just as the people of Israel felt the giants were stronger than they were, I could very easily see where my situation is bigger than I am.
The world consists of two types of people ... the positive who try to go forward despite what the world tells them and the negative who try to contaminate every good thing with their bad attitudes. Right now I could very easily be swayed either way. It is my decision whether I will move forward with a negative attitude or a positive one ... will I walk in faith or fall ... will I hold on to God's promises or believe the lies of Satan?
I do not make light of the decision I have to make. As difficult as it is, I will move forward in hope. If I need to cry to get rid of this sick feeling, I will do it! If I need to walk outside and scream, I will do it! However, I know the best course of action is to get deep into His Word, study His promises, and offer up praise and worship to my Heavenly Father. By praising and worshipping, we are entering into His courts with thanksgiving in our hearts. He hears the cries of His people. I will do whatever it takes to overcome and walk in faith. Everything around me tells me it is hopeless. I make the conscious decision right now ... this very moment ... to walk in faith! I will not falter. I will put one foot in front of the other and press forward, seeking His will for my life ... knowing without a doubt that He is working out my way of escape.
Out of the 12 people who checked out the land of Canaan, only 2 came back with a positive report. Ten of them choose to be negative. According to these figures, 80% of the people said they were not able to defeat the giants, while 20% believed God was greater than the problem. I want to be part of the 20% and not the 80%. Which do you want to be part of? If God is for us, then who can be against us?
How will I choose to see myself today? If I see myself as nothing, then I will not accomplish much in life. If I choose to believe God and His Word, then I know without a doubt that I am not the tail but the head ... I am blessed in the country and I am blessed in the city ... I am a joint heir with my Lord and Savior. Does it get any better than this? No, it does not.
I have to remind myself everyday of just who I am in Christ. Most days I have to do it repeatedly throughout the day. It is so easy for the battles of this life to suck the breathe out of us. It is so easy to get discouraged and give up. Just as we continually tell ourselves the situation is hopeless ... there is no way out of this mess ... our loved one will never come home ... the addictions will never be overcome ... our grief over the loss of a child or a loved one is our end ... our financial situation has hit an all-time low ... we can choose to tell ourselves just the opposite. God said He would supply the way out! Tell yourself that your loved one will return home ... the addictions in your life can be defeated ... though your grief over your loss will never go away, you will rise above it ... your finances will improve. Remind yourself every second of every day that God will supply you with strength to carry on and you do have hope! What are you telling yourself daily?
Twelve men were sent into the land to check it out and see if it was conquerable. Only two believed God was greater than the obstacles. As Joshua and Caleb believed, I believe God is greater than my current situation. I will not stand with those who see only my limitations. I choose to see God and believe my problems are only temporary. I know He will take care of me and bring me to a place of blessing.
We all are weak at times in our lives, but God will show His strength through our hardships in life if we believe He is greater than our problems. We do not have to be frighten if we keep our eyes on God and put our trust in Him. God is with us at all times. We do not have to live in fear. He will never leave us or forsake us.
Focus on the positive and leave the negative thinking to someone else! Do not allow pessimistic people to steal your joy. Do not let the doubts of others rob you of His blessings. We can do all things through Christ who gives us strength. Left to our own, we are nothing and can do very little. With Christ, nothing is impossible.
Remember: Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference (Winston Churchill). Are you being positive or negative today? How will your story end?