There are
critical moments in a game when our mental preparation or our mindset becomes
the deciding factor in whether the team or even us as individuals win or lose.
It may be time for that one last shot or one final pass where the player(s) has
to make good use of their experience, skills and position to overcome the odds.
The opposing team (or even life for that matter) may not be willing to
acknowledge what you have within yourself; determination to overcome!
When victory
is achieved in those gut wrenching games or challenges it’s such a joyous
moment when the accolades can be shared amongst all the individuals involved or
the team as a whole. But what do we do when we find ourselves situated on the
other side of victory and we now have to watch others celebrate what could’ve
been for us? Lose focus, stop trying or just give up. Of course not, we are
going to win some and lose some but what happens next after the loss or
disappointing situation. There were many times in Joseph’s life where he made
winning plays or should I say winning moves but yet found himself losing in
life (Genesis 41). He had to overcome jealousy from his family and betrayal by
those he worked with and worked for.
Once we
reach a place in our lives where we are ready to face our challenges head on we
can now tap into the greatness that is within us. Joseph (a dream interpreter)
was able to use what was inside of him to assist someone who could bring him to
a higher place. It’s to our advantage when we are fully aware of who we are and
how our abilities can bring about success in any season of opposition.
We must
motivate ourselves to go beyond what people may write to determine what is actually right. Take time to train your thoughts to overcome discouraging
words you may hear and understand the
greater purpose of why you are here. There
is no better person to invest in than you when it comes to wisdom and
understanding. Because who is going to be the blame when you become the world’s
prey because you chose not to find
some quiet time to simply kneel and pray.
So stay mentally locked into those critical moments by:
Being mentally prepared (a daily practice)
Being dedicated (stay consistent in your efforts)
Prioritizing things of importance (keep focused on what is going to make you a winner)
Remember, as
the play clock (or time in general) begins to wind down make sure you are
focused and understand what is involved so when it’s time to make that winning
play; you are more than ready!
Have you ever stepped on a scale to check your weight only to find out you are heavier than what you realized? Wouldn’t it be nice if you took one leg off the scale and that would represent your true weight? Sometimes we seek the easiest and most convenient way to resolve our problems. If the desire is for a long-term solution, then we need to make use of our entire “body” and not do things halfway. Your latest efforts could’ve been focused on consuming less calories, exercising more and staying discipline in other ways. Yet the scale has revealed something that was unexpected. This particular situation could make a person feel somewhat defeated or unmotivated to continue striving for physical improvement. This same thought pattern could be in affect when looking at the journey taken by Daniel and his three Hebrew friends. Although the circumstances they were faced with were not advantageous for rebellion against the one that held them captive; they made a faithful pledge to God to prove whose authority was greater (Daniel 1:8-15). These young boys committed themselves completely and wholeheartedly for an everlasting solution and not one that would bring temporary relief.
Is there a situation you are facing at this moment that is causing you to wonder which direction to take? It is easy to roll over to the other side of the bed once the mattress begins to lean or drop down due to the wear and tear. But what side of life do we lean to when difficulties arise? Daniel and his friends chose to lean on God’s provision.
Now there are numerous ways to achieve peak physical fitness
whether it’s through certain dietary practices, workout regimes, or just simply
being disciplined with our body. Ultimately, we must remain steadfast and
motivated to overcome what may be trying to weigh us down as we find our way in
life (James 1:12). Obviously, there are many benefits to maintaining a healthy
body through obedient health practices. But there are even greater benefits to
be gained by staying disciplined and orderly…
Peace of mind. This is such a valuable blessing to have in our daily
walk through life. When our minds are cluttered with the negativity and
self-condemning ways of the world it’s so hard to focus and enjoy our life.
Joy to be around. It is great when we are a magnet of happiness and
delight for others to draw from. When food spoils it transforms into something
that smells and brings about an undesirable “product” that has no good purpose
for man.
Encourages others. There is no special skill or amount of money needed
to simply have a positive disposition. Things are not going to always go the
way we would like but how we respond to those unfavorable situations can inspire,
motivate and give understanding to that watchful eye around us (there is always
someone watching).
Be mindful that just because the mattress is starting to
lean on one side it does not mean you are too heavy. It can be viewed as a time
to either flip the mattress or simply roll over on the other side and get more use
from it. As we continue to get usage out of something there will be wear and
tear that occurs. However, there is still plenty of enjoyment that can be
received from the very thing that may not have the original wrapping. Remember
it is not necessary to allow feelings and conditions around us to “weigh” down our
emotions and behaviors in the wrong way. So, be encouraged to know we can still
enjoy what life has given us.
I have realized
that my journey, just like Daniel and his friends, may require more sacrifice
than that of others but the inner peace and joy that it brings is far more
comforting to rest upon.
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