Inner Strength...
Sunset at the Lake
How has this week been for you? Mine was filled with anticipation, excitement, and positivity, until it wasn’t… Oftentimes our situations change outside of our control. We must adapt and overcome it. I know that sounds like a negative perspective, but it can also give us opportunities to grow.
When you are faced with an uncomfortable situation, how do you react? Do you cower on the inside? Do you rise and face it head on? Or do you do something in the middle? I honestly used to cower to situations I wasn’t comfortable in. Those of you who know me would probably get a good laugh at the biggest guy in the room being scared or unwilling to step up and make things happen. I lacked self-confidence and the knowledge that I had the power to make things better. I was a shell of what a “real” man should be. I had all the outward appearances of being strong, but inside I was extremely weak and fragile.
The last few years of my life have changed that. I have had to endure more pain, disappointment, and strife than anyone should have to bear. From family drama, to health and wellness issues, loss of loved ones, to financial problems, etc. The list goes on and on. These days, I tend not to focus on the problem and focus on the solution. I realize that I can’t always fix the problem, but I can control how I choose to deal with it. I can turn it into a huge, big deal, or just a small problem.
My decision to focus on the solution instead of the problem is not always an easy one. Sometimes it requires me to swallow my pride and reach out for help. That is hard for me to do personally. I would much rather deal with things on my own and not let anyone know I struggle, but that just doesn’t work sometimes. This past year, especially, has taught me that we are meant to do life together. Find someone or a small group of people that you can be real with, and who will help you work through the junk without any judgement.
A true friend will be there no matter what is going on in their lives and will be willing to walk through the fire with you. I have been truly blessed to have a couple of people like that in my life. It is not easy finding those special people, but the reward is truly worth the effort.
No matter what your life looks like this week, challenge yourself to rise to the challenge and take charge of the situation. Life is so much better when you empower yourself to reject the situational limitations that are put on us by others. Get out there and make 3 changes this week to your life. That could me a mindset shift, release of anger, a new housekeeping plan, etc. Make 3 changes that will change your life for the better, but you make them happen instead of waiting for your situation to change.
17 With the Lord’s authority I say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused. 18 Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him. 19 They have no sense of shame. They live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity.
20 But that isn’t what you learned about Christ. 21 Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, 22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.
25 So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. 26 And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 for anger gives a foothold to the devil.
Ephesians 4: 17-27 NLT