As a progressive Christian, I believe there are many names for God and many ways to a loving God; this article reflects one of those ways. Take from here what works for you. Celebrate life with joy and peace!
Isaiah 43 has always been a comfort to me: The God who created me and formed me says, “Do not fear – For I have redeemed you, I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.”
We can all think of times in our life when we’ve gone through seasons like this; maybe you’re going through one right now, or know someone who is.
This article is based on the book Living Your Best Life Now by Rev. Joel Osteen.
Why is it that some people grab life with enthusiasm and take control of their futures, even in the midst of suffering and setbacks, while others let the future and their fears control them? Happy, successful, fulfilled people have learned how to live their best lives now. They make the most of the present moment, making their future brighter, making the lives of others better through acts of compassion. You can too!
God wants us to break out of a life of mediocrity and of thinking only scarcity and fear. I believe God wants us to experience the full potential that is in each of us!
No matter where you are or what challenges you are facing, you can enjoy your life right now!
You don’t have to wait for “someday.”
Someday, things will be better in my life.
Someday, I will be caught up with my work long enough to enjoy making memories with those I love.
Someday, I’ll earn more money, and I won’t have to worry about how I’ll pay the bills.
Someday, I’m going to get in better physical shape.
Someday, I’ll have a better relationship with God and get more involved in using my gifts and talents.
Unfortunately, “someday” never comes. Today is the only day we have. We can’t do anything about the past, and we don’t know what the future holds. But we can live at our full potential right now!
How do you see yourself accomplishing your dreams? How do you keep a vision of victory in front of you?
What you keep before your eyes will affect you. You will produce what you’re continually seeing in your mind. If all you see is an image of defeat and failure, then you’re going to live that kind of life. But if you develop an image of victory, success, health, abundance, joy, peace, compassion and happiness, nothing on Earth will be able to hold those things from you.
Too many times we get stuck in a rut, thinking we’ve reached our limits. Are we really stretching our faith? Do we really believe for bigger things? God wants to increase you in wisdom and help you to make better decisions. God wants to increase you in health and creativity and compassion.
The Bible says, “Set your mind and keep it on the higher things.” (Colossians 3:2) Each day choose to live with an attitude that expects good things to happen in you … that expects the good to come out in those around you. And even when the circumstances don’t go your way, don’t let that get you down. Keep your mind set in the right direction.
No matter what you’ve gone through in the past, no matter how many setbacks you’ve suffered or who or what has tried to stop your progress, today is a new day, and God wants to do a new thing in your life.
God says, “Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing. Do you not perceive it?” (Isaiah 43:18-19) God is always ready to do new things in our lives. The question is: Will we believe?
One of the names for God is El Shaddai, “The God of More than Enough!”
It doesn’t matter what kind of family you come from, what your childhood was like, what’s going on right now – God can change you from a victim to a victor.
You know people who have suffered tremendous loss and suffering in their lives. Some choose to stay a victim for the rest of their lives while others go on and overcome and grow through the obstacles that came their way.
No matter what happens in our lives, we have a God who has promised to always be with us. And God’s promises show that God is faithful and constant.
We come from many different places, but we have one thing in common. This day. This is the day that God has made, and I will rejoice and be glad in it; and we have an opportunity today to let the peace of God that passes all understanding to guard our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus. We have an opportunity to enlarge our vision of compassion, to live our best life now!
