Category: confidence

True Positive: Day 11 – Purpose

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We were created on purpose and for a purpose. God has given each of us unique gifts, talents and abilities to use for His Kingdom purposes. When we recognize that God has an individual purpose for each one of us, it gives us a sense of joy and confidence. How do you discover that purpose? I believe the best way to walk in your purpose is to walk closely with your Creator.

As you get to know Him through reading His word and spending time in prayer, you begin to sense His direction and purpose in your life. I love how David wrote in Psalm 23, “He guides me down the right path, bringing honor to His name.” Paul encouraged the Ephesians with these words, “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” How wonderful to know that God planned long ago for us to do good works for His glory!

Ask the Great Artist to lead you and guide you as He carries out His great purpose in and through you.

True Positive: Day 10 – Perseverance

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Perseverance means to continue doing something in spite of the difficulties or opposition. It means being steadfast in purpose and to persist. When we face challenges of any kind, let’s be honest, our tendency is to want to quit. Whether it is school or work or a relationship, it is natural for us to want to take the easy route or the less painful path. Possibly one of the most positive things we can do is to push through the uncomfortable circumstances and persevere.

It takes courage and strength, mixed with a glimmer of hope, to press forward in tough times. Granted, there are some circumstances in life when we ought to call it quits, but we must be wise, discerning and prayerful in those situations. We can learn from the apostle Paul’s example as he faced hardships, imprisonments and beatings. He wrote, “Forgetting the things that are behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God is calling me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

Press on my friend, with your eyes on the goal. Find your courage, strength and hope in Him.

True Positive Day 9 – Courage

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How willing are you to step out of your comfort zone? Whether it is trying something new, facing a fear or reaching out to people you have never met before, it takes courage to step into the unknown. Let’s be honest, it is easy to remain safe and stick with what you have always known. Part of being a positive person means moving forward and exploring unchartered waters in our life.

Some of us need to move forward from discouragement or self-pity. Others need to step forward in faith to follow God’s calling. While others need to step across the street and meet their neighbors. Where do you need the courage to get moving? Paul wrote in his letter to Timothy, “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind.” Do not let the negative qualities of fear and worry hold you back from moving courageously in a positive direction.

May God give you the courage to step forward!

True Positive: Day 8 – Growth

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It’s inevitable. You will experience disappointments, frustrations and setbacks in your life (or day or week). Although these may seem like negatives, you can also discover positives in the mix. Every challenge offers an opportunity to grow and learn – you just have to be looking for it! When we form the habit of saying, “What can I learn from this experience,” we can change any difficulty into an opportunity for growth.

Joseph in the Old Testament offers a tremendous example. In Genesis 37 we read about the injustices and tragedies that happened to Joseph, yet in each circumstance he didn’t sit around and sulk and become bitter – he became better! He learned responsibility as a slave in Potiphar’s house. He learned resourcefulness and service during his years in prison. All these growth experiences prepared him to be second in command of Egypt.

How can you grow and learn from what you are going through right now?

True Positive: Day Seven – Prayer

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Prayer can be the most powerful and positive moments of our day. It is in this quiet time of solitude when we turn our hearts toward God, that we gain strength and direction for the day. E. M. Bounds wrote, “Prayer should not be regarded as a duty which must be performed, but rather as a privilege to be enjoyed, a rare delight that is always revealing some new beauty.”

What could be more joyful than coming before the High King of Heaven each morning and spending sweet time with Him! I encourage you to find a place and a time each day when you can be alone with God. David offers a wonderful example of a man after God’s own heart – a true man of prayer. He cried out to God when he was in anguish; he cast his cares on God when he was in need. He praised God for his attributes and thanked Him for his blessings. He sought God for direction, guidance and help. Truly prayer was a fundamental part of King David’s life and the secret to his success.

 

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6,7