"An oak tree is just a small nut that persevered against
the taunts of doubt and fear." Matshona Dhliwayo


For I know the plans that I have for you, Declares the Lord,
plans to prosper you and not to harm you,
plans to give you hope and a future.
Then you will call on Me and come and pray to Me and I will listen to you.
You will seek Me and find Me, when you seek Me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29: 11-13, NIV


I Don’t Have What It Takes to Start Over or Succeed
            Stories of people overcoming the odds have always been a part of my arsenal of survival techniques. There are many today who are having to reconsider their lives, start a different way of making a living, or living in fear of the future yet feeling they have nothing to offer. While considering the toll this pandemic is taking on the population, I remember a young man who attended the community college in my home town.
            There’s only one minute left. Striding onto the field, the young man, obviously ready for action, knows the outcome of the football game rests on his ability to accurately kick the ball for the extra point. The ball is set, he kicks it and with bated breath the crowd watches it go up and toward the goal. Finally, the referees hold up their hands and the fans go wild—we won.!!!
            Okay, so what does a football game have to do with your feelings of inadequacy? What I didn’t mention earlier was that the player had no arms, nor did he wear a prothesis. Somehow, along the way he learned how to put the power into kicking a football without the aid of arms for balance. His invaluable kicking ability produced many victories.  I recall the coach commenting that the player’s family raised him with expectations. He obviously wanted to play football, a seemingly impossible choice and was willing to put in the time, face the problems, and figure out what needed to be done in order to play the game.
            The story is told not just as a feel-good piece, but as a reminder that God had a plan for this young man. He wasn’t meant to sit in the shadows as only a spectator of life.
            Jesus also has a plan for you, no matter the circumstances. In the book of Genesis, we’re told that God created male and female in His image. This tells me that we have a reserve of ability within. Maybe now is the time to revisit old hopes and dreams, possibly lost in the midst of living, the mouths of naysayers, a lack of confidence, or some disappointment.
            Things happen. We fail or the world fails us, but God, our creator, is always available to lead us through the tough times into victory.
Just a Question: Weeding through all of the negative thoughts and fears, what paths might our great God be leading you to take?
Prayer for the Reader
Oh Lord, I am confused. I don’t like what I’m seeing in my life, but have no idea what to do. Please let the understanding of your purpose and plan for my life overrule those wrong thoughts that seem to control my mind. Open my heart to your leading, give me the courage to follow, and silence the voices that would cause me to go astray. In Jesus Name, Amen

           
             

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