Did you ever play this game as a kid (or maybe even as an adult)?
You are just going along your merry way, you have almost made it to the finish line, that 100 square with the big ribbon on it is in sight... and all of the sudden you hit a chute! Just like that, you find yourself all the way back to the bottom of the board. You are crushed, devastated, ready to give up because the board is filled with so many chutes you wonder if you will ever be victorious.
Such is life, right?
We find ourselves just going along our merry way... then BAM! Tragedy strikes, sickness is diagnosed, a job is lost, the stock market crashes, the economy is turned upside down, bills aren't getting paid... you have hit a chute and it sends you spiraling to the bottom of the board.
So what are you going to do?
Become frustrated because it feels like you are faced with so many obstacles?
Wallow there because you know more problems are waiting?
Determine that there is no point in trying again?
OR... grab a ladder and climb out!
Oh the joy that comes when you land on a ladder... you are at the lowest of lows, there are so many squares on the board and so many chutes that you need to get by, right? But then, one spin of the spinner lands you on the biggest ladder on the entire board and you climb all the way to the top. Oh, glorious day!!
You have the ability, with God's help, to shift your perspective and climb the ladder!
See, when you encounter a problem, it does not have to send you into a downward spiral. That is what happens when we are not being good stewards of our mind and we allow the problem to consume us instead of focusing on the solution.
Immediately, look up. Ask God to allow you to see this problem from His perspective. What is the end result that can only be reached by walking this particular road? Oh my, when we can take that high road and look at things from above, we quickly realize that "our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." 2 Corinthians 4:16
(Ok, wait... let's be real... we may not quickly realize that truth, but it is possible to eventually be able to recognize the good, see the light, and find the purpose.)
Yes, you will be faced with difficulties and challenges.
Yes, you will hit chutes in this life that will send you spiraling.
Yes, you will find yourself being blindsided with trouble.
On these days, look to Jesus and affirm your trust in Him.
Yes, you will have days when life is good.
Yes, you will have moments when problems are absent.
Yes, you will experience times of victory.
On these days, rejoice and thank Him continually.
No matter if you find yourself at the bottom of a chute or the top of a ladder, always keep your eyes on the prize, the end goal, the hope of Heaven.
Until next time...
Until next time...
Blessings!!
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If you are looking for support and encouragement, and a group of like-minded women looking for the same, you are welcome in Guarding the Gate. We are getting ready to embark, together, on a 30-Day Transformation Challenge to take back control of our days and shift our focus. Find us HERE, the gate is open for you, friend!
