Trials test us and reveal where we are both week in faith and the implementation of His prescriptions (James 1:2-4). We must change our thinking to have lasting change of behavior. Instead of focusing outward behavior, transforming the mind through disciplining it by meditation on God’s Word is essential.

Our Reality

A friend told me about a peer. The C-19 lockdown very quickly destroyed her business which required close contact with vulnerable populations. Her company was new with no reserve assets. She tended to be “a-glass-is-half-empty” person, and quickly spun into despair.

This combination is a recipe for the downward spiral: disappoint, discouragement, desperation, depression, despair followed by death (from giving up to suicide). To interdict this spiral one must accept responsibility for one’s thinking; the God-given ability to exercise control over your thoughts. Are you willing to admit you can, with God’s help, take control of your thoughts?

Challenge

Trials test us and reveal where we are both week in faith and the implementation of His prescriptions (James 1:2-4). We must change our thinking to have lasting change of behavior. Instead of focusing outward behavior, transforming the mind through disciplining it by meditation on God’s Word is essential. Engage with God to transform our experience by the renewing of our mind (Rom 12:2).

Think through ideas rather than impulsively and blindly pursing them. When experiencing difficult challenges, we must not think ourselves into despair… “I’ll never do anything right?” We must use the God-created capacity enhanced by the indwelling Holy Spirit to think our way out of your shame, despair, hopelessness, and anger.

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