Great Things Ahead

Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. EPHESIANS 4:31–32 ESV 

Negativity is a part of everyone’s life. And it seems to show up more once a person starts pursuing God’s purpose for their life. All of a sudden there’s self-doubt and negative thoughts filling the mind, and it seems like everyone else is putting down those cherished hopes and dreams. Hurtful talk can come into our mind, and it takes away from God’s plan for our lives for who we are and were made to be. Instead of letting the negativity take over our perspective, why not let it propel us further into God’s plans for us? Instead of shrinking, let’s not be swayed but instead wholeheartedly live out God’s special plan for our lives, no matter how difficult it may be.  

When you find yourself in the downward spiral of negativity, remember this: you are not your circumstances. You can break through the mold and create a new path for your life and for your future. You are more than what you’ve been through . . . but those times helped shape you into who you are today. You can choose to break through the negativity and become your best self. You don’t have to change who you are to grow into who God wants you to become. You were created for a purpose and not on accident, to glorify God and use your gifts for good. Just because you call yourself a Christian or believe in Jesus doesn’t mean you’ll have a flawless life or that you’ll get everything you ever desired. It’s through the broken times, even ones we didn’t cause ourselves, that God works to make all things good. Sometimes we’re born into someone else’s brokenness, and we have no control over that.  

We have to look back at negative experiences and realize that they were all for a reason. Acknowledge them but look ahead to the great things God has in store for you. You can wake up tomorrow and give all the negativity to God, and He will give you the grace you need to face anything that comes your way. 

What’s something in your life that you want to give up to Him? What direction do you need to hear from Him? Forgive those in your past who have caused hurt or negativity and pray for them. Let God work and change your heart to look to the light and the goodness through Him. 

Melissa Horvath 
You Got This 

Looking for more inspiration? You can find hope & encouragement in God’s Word every day with the new DaySpring Hope & Encouragement Bible now available on DaySpring.com!