Written by: Dr Conrade Yap
Date: November 14th, 2013
From time to time, I will ponder about life and the various ways we can get stuck in discouragement or despair. That is not necessary. All it takes is a change in perspective. In God's time and wisdom, we all can learn to re-direct our energies toward constructive thinking and helpful living. This week's Sabbath Walk is about learning to change our perspectives. Below are 21 thoughts.
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1) It doesn't matter if the world forgets about you;
It matters more that God and your loved ones remember you.
2) It doesn't matter if the plans you have made have failed miserably;
It matters more that you have given your best and have succeeded in trying.
3) It doesn't matter if not many on social media bother to interact with you;
It matters more that the few who do have interacted with you meaningfully.
4) It doesn't matter if you have given terrible sermons, speeches, or sharing in the past;
It matters more that each time you give a "terrible" one, you improve on the next.
5) It doesn't matter if you feel helpless about how to assist in the disasters you hear about;
It matters more if you care to give, and are ready to help at the short moment's notice.
6) It doesn't matter if your superiors constantly complain or criticize your work;
It matters more if you can distinguish the constructive from the destructive, and respond humbly.
7) It doesn't matter if you have not read all the books you wanted to read;
It matters more if the ones you have read had already brought benefits to you or to people you care.
8) It doesn't matter if you've only got a C in your mid-terms;
It matters more if you become more resilient to try again, and aim for an A in life.
9) It doesn't matter if the ham in the oven had become burnt beyond recognition;
It matters more that you have not wasted the education the burnt ham had taught you.
10) It doesn't matter if the vacation you have been waiting for had been postponed;
It matters more if postponing it is the right thing to do, and a better time and date is available;
11) It doesn't matter if all the world's a stage and everyone seems to be mere players;
It matters more if the world stage is your chance to be the best player you can be.
12) It doesn't matter if you do not know what to do with your life;
It matters more if you do not stop seeking and keep searching for your calling.
13) It doesn't matter if people brand you a failure in things you do;
It matters more if you see each failure as a step toward success waiting to happen.
14) It doesn't matter if you feel inadequate every time you go to Bible studies;
It matters more if each time you go, you learn that only in God, one is adequate.
15) It doesn't matter if you feel your life in the past had been wasted;
It matters more if you recognize that there are still many years left to try living well again.
16) It doesn't matter if you cannot remember all the Ten Commandments;
It matters more if you put into practice what you CAN remember.
17) It doesn't matter if you feel your spiritual life is stagnant;
It matters more if you not only recognize it, but is prepared to do something about it. You can start with praying first?
18) It doesn't matter if you feel lonely, or think no one seems to be listening to you;
It matters more if you know that God listens even when the world turns away. Jesus knows what loneliness is all about.
19) It doesn't matter if you have not brought anyone to Christ in the past;
It matters more if you learn to shine wherever you are, that you are part of the sowing, watering, or cultivating. Let someone else do the harvesting while you do the planting.
20) It doesn't matter if you feel no one appreciates you, or thank you enough;
It matters more if you appreciate others and thank God more.
21) It doesn't matter if you doubt what you think about yourself;
It matters more what God thinks about you.
If you do use any of them, I will appreciate if you can either link back to this article, or simply credit the author above.
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Copyright by SabbathWalk. This devotional is sent to you free of charge. If you feel blessed or ministered to by SabbathWalk weekly devotionals, feel free to forward to friends, or to invite them to subscribe online at http://blog.sabbathwalk.org . You can also send me an email at cyap@sabbathwalk.org for comments or enquiries. Note that views expressed are personal opinions of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of any organization.
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