The basic law of photography is that you let light pass through a negative to get a positive. Life is much the same way. When we let Jesus’ light pass through every negative the positive comes out of every negative situation.
It’s our attitude towards situations that determine who we are, and who we will become. Even if we have had something horrendous happen in our lives, we make to a large extend the decision how we will allow these events to affect and shape our futures. Many of the world’s greatest discoveries, artistic masterpieces and inventions were made in times of deepest trouble. Tough times can bring out the best in us. Disappointments and heartbreak can become opportunities.
In 1880 a little girl named Helen Keller was born. At 19 months of age she was struck down with an acute illness which left her both blind and deaf. As a result of these disabilities she was also unable to learn how to speak. Society didn’t specialise in the care she needed.
But a women name Anne Sullivan trained her not only to speak but to read. Helen Keller became a recognised author and lecturer, and received the presidential medal of freedom. Her lecturing tours were highly sought after. After World War 2 she visited wounded soldiers in hospitals, and spoke all over the world. Helen Keller is known for her success, bravery , dignity and resolve to rise above life’s difficulties.
Sometimes life deals us lemons, but it is wisdom that says, “Don’t sit there sucking on those lemons, go and make some lemonade.
Raphael a famous Italian painter was asked which of his paintings was his greatest work? He thought for a moment and then said. “My next one“.
You can’t change the past, and you definitely can’t live there, but you can shape the future. Make your future your best years ever. That means today has the potential to be the best day ever!
When it seems impossible Jesus says to look to Him. Look to Him when it is seems to difficult, when you’re disappointed. Look to Him when you are tempted to settle for second best in your life. Allow Jesus to speak to you, to put vision and dreams in your heart. He is the restorer of broken dreams. He infuses life into our hearts where we felt we were dead inside.
“He gives life to the dead and call things that are not as though they were.” (Romans 4:17)
“Let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith“. (Hebrews 12:2)
Jesus came and gave His best – Himself; so that we could have a life; free from guilt, pain, shame and death. He is the ultimate positive thinker. He challenged traditions, and mindsets, stood up to hypocrisy and reached out to the lost, the hurting the unaccepted. He gave His life to free mankind from the evil plans of the devil. He is our example, our guidepost, our benchmark.
God gives us vision and strength to make a contribution to the world that is desperately in need of role models. All of us are born with incredible potential for greatness. Possibilities are unlimited. We are created to stand out, not to blend in. To shine. God plans and promises to strengthen each of us to rise above adversity, and struggles if we will follow His lead and take hold of Him. People are searching for a light, and Jesus says we are to be that light.
“You are the light of the world.. let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven“. (Matthew 5:14-16)
Winston Churchill another person who “shone” in adversity once said, “Things don’t happen to me, I happen to things“. So I say, “Let’s go happen to things today”!
Prayer: Jesus I choose to fix my eyes upon you; to not settle for second best in my life, to dream big dreams, and to have you as my example and guide. I want to live a life “happening” to things rather than waiting for things to happen to me. Lead, guide and strengthen me to live my best life. in Jesus name Amen.
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