The basic law of photography is that you let light pass through a negative to get a positive, and life is much the same way. Especially when we let Jesus’ light pass through every negative so that He can bring the positive out.
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 extent the decision on how we will allow those 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. She 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”.
We can’t change the past, and we definitely can’t live there, but we can shape the future. To make our future our best years, which means today has the potential to be the best day ever!
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“.
When it seems impossible Jesus says to look to Him. Look to Him when it is appears too difficult and you’re disappointed. Look to Him when you are tempted to settle for second best in your life. Allow Jesus to speak to you and to put vision and dreams in your heart. He is the restorer of broken dreams and infuses life into our hearts where we felt we were dead inside.
The bible says, “He gives life to the dead and call things that are not as though they were,” and to, “lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and to run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith“. ((Romans 4:17; Hebrews 12:2)
Jesus came and gave His best – Himself. He came 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 and the unaccepted. He gave His life to free mankind from the evil plans of the devil. He is our example, our guidepost and our benchmark.
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, and make this one of our best days ever!”
Prayer: Jesus I choose to fix my eyes upon you; to not settle for second best and to set you as my example. I want to live a life “happening” to things, rather than waiting for things to happen to me. Please lead, guide and strengthen me to live my best life. In Jesus name Amen.