Written by Pastor Jack Wellman– John Newton
Human beings are creatures of comfort. We run toward pleasure and run away from pain. Well, Christians, being God’s people, need to adopt three new mindsets that should change the way we look and respond to trials and challenges.
We can Choose how to Interpret
Your five senses simply pick up information from the larger world. Whether that information will be negative or positive, crushing or uplifting, edifying or humiliating depends on what you read into the information. The best part to all this is that you are in control as to how you choose to read these signals. It might seem certain experiences have only one interpretation but, if you really dig deep enough, you can always choose how you interpret them. Choose to interpret reality in a way that leads you closer to Christ.
We can Choose to Think we have Enough
Trials often come because of our mindsets. If we feel that we need more, then the current blessings we receive look more like a trial. We end up feeling we ‘need’ more and more. Instead of thinking you need more to be happier or feel more complete, why not open your mind to the fact that you don’t really need all that much. Your needs are actually quite basic and are easily met. You’re frustrated because you let your wants and luxuries morph into ‘needs.’
Choosing to think you have enough is one of the most powerful ways to counteract this dangerous tendency. Focus on the fact that Jesus gives you what you need on a day-to-day basis. His grace is sufficient to carry you through to the next day. This is the Biblical definition of ‘enough.’
We can Choose to Think our God is Bigger than our Problems
Every time you worry, you are basically telling yourself that your problems are bigger than your God. Every time you worry, you are telling God that you have your problems covered and don’t really need Him to solve it for you. In short, you’re displaying disbelief and lack of faith. Choose to think that your God is bigger than your problems. The pull your challenges have on you will evaporate quickly. Problems only have power over you because you worry and focus on them instead of God.
Closing Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, give me the strength to love and trust you more. Move my heart with your infinite mercy and transform it to love much, trust freely, and take more leaps of faith. I am ready for the next stage of my journey with you, Lord. I know you cover me with Your grace so that all trials that come my way will not only strengthen me but draw me closer to You.
