I don’t like confrontation.  I’m adverse to rejection.  I fear heights and drowning in the ocean.  I would rather be alone than in a crowd.  I’ve learned over the years that my fears often get in the way of my moving on.

Those feelings were nothing more than obstacles which were blocking the way to my future.  Because of those roadblocks, I was hindered for a long time.  I didn’t feel smart enough to become a scholar. I didn’t have enough wealth to pursue my education so I didn’t.  I thought I was unattractive and would never find true love.  All of those seemed like insurmountable hurdles to overcome, but they weren’t.

When we trust in our own judgment regarding the detours we face, we often fail.  When we trust in God’s Providence, we can’t fail.  Often our brains become deluded with the fact that we carve our own path in this life.  Actually it’s already been mapped out for us.  God has a plan for each individual that comes into this world.  He even knew before we were born what we would become.

The simplicity of that fact is unacceptable to most folks.  They feel they are in charge of their own destiny.  They alone can create the success necessary to survive in this world.  We’re exposed daily to that truth.  The world is your oyster.  You can overcome all odds.  Success lies in the palm of your hand.  You can do this.  I’m not completely knocking the power of positive thinking, but without the force and power of God behind that thinking, we are setting ourselves up for failure.  He is the driving force, but that doesn’t mean we should sit back and wait for success to come to us.  We are implementing the plan He’s already drawn for us.

Our society has taken positive thinking to the next level.  Instead of focusing on our plan for the future, many think it doesn’t matter who we hurt along the way, as long as we get what we want.  In a world that puts the focus on the individual, we lose sight of the importance of team work, brainstorming, creative thinking, etc.

Jesus gave us a perfect example of how to live.  Do not worry or be anxious.  Serve others.  Put others first.  Don’t look for earthly gain – focus on heaven.  Be charitable.  Love one another.  The list goes on, but these thoughts are almost obliterated by the mantra of today which tells us we deserve the best.  We should live like there’s no tomorrow.  We should put ourselves first before looking out for others.

Maybe it’s time we look to the One who made the blueprint for our life.  He knows what you are capable of.  He knows where your talents lie.  He wants you to succeed.  He loves you unconditionally.  He walks with us and guides us through the obstacles.  He carries us when we think we can’t make it.  What better backing could we have?