Perseverance. I used to hate that word, especially when reading James 1:2-5. (NIV)
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
I mean, come on! Who really enjoys trails and tribulation?! Not me!
However, as I’ve grown in my walk I’ve begun to notice that when I push through a situation when I persevere, I gain more knowledge. That’s a good thing. We were never assured of a sweet life full of roses with no thorns. Nope, we were told that our path, if directed towards our Creator, will be narrow but the wide one would lead to destruction. We were warned that we would indeed have trials, have issues in life to deal with; however, that doesn’t mean we have to live there.
Years ago while attending a local church the pastor shared a message on ‘stinkin’ thinkin’ and it stuck with me! We’re told in Philippians 4 to guard our mind so if there’s a need to do so that must mean bad thoughts can get in our mind! Growing up as I did, in an abusive and dysfunctional home, I learned a lot of bad thoughts. Like, I wish I’d never of been born; or I’m so stupid, or I’ll never amount to anything and so on. Of course, these thoughts were spoken to me over and over by those who were supposed to have loved and protected me. They did not!
It’s taken many years and lots of on-purpose redirecting to change my thought life. I’ve had many starts and stops but I’ve also learned how to persevere! On purpose!
I had a counselor years ago help me with a visual image pertaining to redirecting my thought life. It’s like when a cow goes to the watering hole. Most usually that cow will walk the same path every day, day in and day out. Starts out a path and will eventually end up a rut…a grave with both ends kicked out. My old stinkin’ thinkin’ had done the same thing in my brain. I’d thought those same thoughts over and over that a rut had formed in my brain.
Dr. Caroline Leaf has traveled the globe as an author and public speaker examining many aspects of the neuroscience world has written many good books on having a healthy brain. You can check her out on YouTube also. She has helped me learn that I can, in fact, redirect my thought life which will, in turn, create a new path for my cows to take to their watering hole. Cool huh!?!
Those who often told me I’d never amount to anything were wrong. They were hurting in their own stuff and had not gained the healing they needed. Doesn’t make what they did right for it wasn’t. I fully believe once you become an adult it is totally your responsibility to adjust any negative or false beliefs to become a strong adult. Easy? Nope! At least it hasn’t been for me.
I now know I am a strong woman of God who has endured way more than anyone should ever have to. What I experienced as a child I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy! No child deserves to live in fear!
I challenge you today: Begin today, right now, paying close attention to what you’re thinking! You really are responsible for your own thought life. And you, with God’s help, can indeed change your thinking!
Check out Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
This scripture helped me learn to change my thinking. Took lots of time and effort on my part. I still will have a rogue thought to slither into my thinking; and honestly, I still have days where those thoughts will overwhelm me to the point of going numb. However, I am so very thankful they are less.
You, my friend, can become anything you wanta be! Don’t let others words cast doubt on your dream! Go for it! Never let anyone stand in your way of becoming the best you God has destined you to be! You are so beautiful in His eyes!
I would love to hear your story! You can email me at: pamelajwoodall@yahoo.com
Or write to: BPNM PO Box 1373 Somerset, Ky 42502
Book 2, Secrets Exposed, in my Secret series will soon be released.
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Pamela Richards-Woodall 