View your problems as opportunity

Viktor E Frank in his book titled, Man's Search for Meaning says, "Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of his freedoms - to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances or one's own way." Attitude is an inward feeling expressed outwardly by one's behaviour.

The Bible admonishes us that, "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Look out not only for your own interests but also for those of others. And let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 2:3).

The pattern of attitude you choose will have profound effects on your life. Jesus' attitude played a major role in everything he did. A positive attitude and belief in your potential make you willing to take the necessary actions to succeed.

A positive attitude lets you see a challenge as an opportunity and cooperate with God in whatever you do. Despite the terrible experiences he underwent, Apostle Paul proclaimed that he could bear any trial, perform any duty and subdue any evil.

Attitude is formed. Apostle Paul says that we should not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our mind, that we may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Norman Vincent Peale says, "Human beings can alter their lives by altering their attitudes." Life is ten per cent what happens to you and 90 per cent how you react to it.

There is power in our thoughts. Norman Vincent Peale says, "Throw back the shoulders, let the heart sing, let the eyes flash, let the mind be lifted up, look upward and say to yourself. Nothing is impossible!"

Dr Robert Schuller says, "You are what you think about all day long." Constant interaction with thoughts of a certain nature strengthens the human will in the choice to do good or evil.

.

Keep Reading

• Keep your home warm with these tips
• What to do if you feel dizzy after a meal
• Are you unhappy?
• The changing face of families

To paraphrase Philippians 4:8, "Whatever things are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, of god report and admirable; if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think and meditate on these things. This means what is agreeable to justice and righteousness - all that you owe to God, neighbour and yourself.

What is chaste - the state of the mind and acts of the body. That which is amiable - on its account or its usefulness to others; esteem these highly, recommend them heartily and practice them fervently.

First, learn how to interpret failures and deal with life's 'defeats'. Second, personally process information and choose your attitude. Consequently, acting on your chosen belief system which gradually becomes established as a habit of thought and attitude. Third, have reinforcement by making a tentative choice of what attitude to adopt. 'Sow thoughts or actions reap a habit; sow a habit reap a character; and sow a character reap a destiny."

Attitude is important. Our attitude determines our approach to life, and relationships with people and tells us what to expect from life. The benefits of a positive attitude include: being outstanding, increased enthusiasm, freedom from limitations of fear, enhanced joy in taking initiative, ability to set boundaries, seeing and seizing opportunities and promoting an abundance of positive friends and colleagues.

The right attitude is needed to overcome trials. We know that all things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to his purpose. Our hope in difficult times is based on the truth or fact that he loves us. Your life is not a result of random chances, fate or luck. This includes our mistakes, indulgence, faults, illness, debt, disaster, divorce and death of a loved one. God's purposes are greater than our problems, pain or even sin as illustrated by Rahab, Ruth and Naomi in the Bible.

Choose your response to problems well. Joseph Sugarman says, "View every problem as an opportunity." Problems do not automatically produce what God intends; rather, his plan towards you is good, he knows what is best for you and has your best interests at heart.

Joseph brings out this well with his response to his brothers: though they thought evil and intended for him to live and die a slave; he was exalted in Egypt and became a saviour to his family and others from famine, starvation and death.

The saying 'I cannot see the forest because of the trees' is normally applied in a situation where problems obscure the perspectives of a person. Adopt the attitude that 'this too shall come to pass!'

Bishop David Muriithi- Founder & Overseer House of Grace International Ministries