Facing adversity is all about attitude
Posted on Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Once, I heard a wellknown preacher say," Life is about 10 percent what happens to you and about 90 percent how you respond to it."
Many times we are put in situations where we don't have much control. Events and circumstances can change quickly, and many times we don't like the changes.
Recently, I talked with a man from Indiana. I asked him if his family was involved in the flooding. Unfortunately, he said yes. He told me there were several inches of water in his home. Yet, in the midst of his pain, he made a marvelous statement. He said," I have learned in this flooding that my possessions are just stuff."
What a great attitude. He had learned in his difficulties what was really important. Had he chosen to be bitter, he might have missed this valuable lesson.
We can all learn from his
The choice is ours. How we respond to life is entirely up to us. We can blame others or God for our problems, or get on with living life and do the best we can where we are. It's all up to us.
Jesus Christ is the perfect example for every situation in life. Even though he didn't want to go to the cross, he prayed this prayer to his father in the Garden of Gethsemane: "Not my will be done but yours will be done."
After his prayer in the garden, he went on with his mission to die for our sins. When he was mistreated, he loved his attackers. When his disciples disappointed him, he still trained them for ministry.
Don't live your life with regrets. Let the past go and do what you can, where you can. Today is the only day you may have. Live it to the fullest.
God will help you make the most of every situation if you are willing to trust him for guidance. Instead of worrying about past situations, ask God to help you make your present situation better.
What can you do to serve God and others ? A change in attitude may mean a change in spiritual altitude.
I know a man who had many health issues. He would often say to me," Pastor, I can't see you very well in the pulpit, I can barely hear you, my joints ache and hurt, but I want you to know I will be faithful to church because I want everyone in this community to know whose side I'm on."
He never complained about his situation. He did what he could, where he could, when he could. He responded to his life situation with grace and dignity. You can, too. Your attitude today will affect your actions tomorrow. I'm pressing on. What about you ?
• • • Thad Moore is pastor of Bella Vista Community Church.
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