Things Never Work Out For Me

 I recently had a conversation.  The person speaking told me, "Things just never work out for me."  I wanted to agree and give into the pity party this person was throwing for themselves.

I'm sure there are many people that you know that have the same sentiment.  You may even feel this way. You have given up on life and become negative.  You feel helpless. Each time you don't get a fair shake in life you get down on yourself. The events of your past caused you to develop a hard shell in your heart so you won't ever get hurt again.

Here are a few ways to pick your head up:

1.  Change your perspective

• The person who said these words didn't take time to look at the blessings that were around. We must focus on what we've received.  Don't worry about what others have.  We spend so much time looking at how the "other" person might be getting ahead.  Stop and count the blessings you possess-health, car, job, family, house, etc.

2.  Praise through trials

• We must start appreciating what we already own before we can be blessed with more.  A heart of gratitude during life's hardships helps take the focus off the wrong in our lives.  Don't wait until Thanksgiving to be thankful-make it a daily goal. Becoming a volunteer is a great way to give to those less fortunate.

3.  Personal Consequences

• We have to stop having "adult-sized" temper tantrums.  Many of the hardships we face are self-inflicted.  The truth is never easy to hear.  But I've realized that where I am today is a sum total of the choices I've made in the past.  Count the cost before making a "big" decision (ex. getting married while seeing "red flags" in the dating process is not a good idea). Pray that God will guide you through your next decision.  Listen to His voice and not always the voice of friends, family or co-workers. His still, small voice is speaking the question is-are you listening?

4.  Use your words correctly

• In that statement I was told, "things NEVER work out for me".  Never is a strong word to use. It means not at any time.  This person was 63 years old and I can almost guarantee they've had some accomplishments/successes.  Using strong language at the wrong time turns our heart and mind into a negative force.

~Our words have power.  Life and death are in the power of the tongue.~  

Be careful how you use your words because you can't take them back.

Let me end with this-Be encouraged!

 2 Corinthians 4:17-18-"For our present troubles are quite small and won't last very long...for the troubles we see will soon be over..." (Posted by Roslyn)

Make sure to join us at the end of the week for Crossing the Finish Line Friday.  Renee shares her tips and resources as she trains and prepares for her half marathon.