Let's face it. Life happens. We start out on the road to what we believe to be our destiny, and suddenly LIFE HAPPENS. No one ever warned us that there would be potholes and unexpected detours. Ultimately both of these things mean delays. Everyone faces delays in life of some sort. The most poignant question is “How Do I Get Ahead, When I Feel So Far Behind?”I'm glad you asked.
Simply put, progress occurs one step at a time. Although that may sound simple, for many, it is easier said than done. Perhaps you wanted to start a business but major money problems got in the way. Whether you made poor financial decisions or you just don't make enough, the dream is not impossible. Perhaps your career aspirations were held up because of an unplanned pregnancy. That in no way means it is impossible. Listen, the difference between success and failure comes when you believe that you can, and you are poised to move when opportunities arise.
The first key to making up for lost time is “Never surrender to hopelessness.” A hopeless mindset means a helpless life. Recovery is only a possibility when you change your mindset. When it comes to making progress we have two things fighting against us. The enemy's constant condemnation of our past mistakes, and our own painful memories of all the ways we have blown it. Please note that I did not bring other people into the equation. People's opinions have nothing to do with our ability to progress in life. Never let the opinions of people frame your world because they will always frame it too small. They will never let you live down what you have done. Who cares? In “The Scarlett Letter” by Nathaniel Hawthorne, Hester Prynne, the main character spent a good portion of the book wearing a red “A” on her chest due to a period of indiscretion in her life. Initially it was a punishment instituted by the people in her town. But after a while, the “A” was a self imposed stigma. It wasn't until she finally removed the “A” that the sun was finally able to shine on her. But sadly like most people today, she picked it up again. So the second key to making up for lost time is “to release yourself from the stigma.” The only way to do this is to “Shift your focus back to your target.” I once heard someone say that the man who aims at nothing always hits it.
Once you lay aside the stigma, and shift your focus to the target, the third step is to “Stop and get a strategy.” To move without a plan is to have activity without productivity. Spend time in prayer and ask God for a strategy to make up for lost time. Be sure after you ask, that you take time to stop and listen. He will speak! Believe it or not, God is not just interested in but He is committed to your success. “He who has started a good work in you is faithful to complete it...
” Once you get the strategy, the next step is to MOVE!!! Most people never move because they become paralyzed by the "what ifs". If you live your life stuck on the “what ifs” you will die with a whole lot of “if onlys”. Remember, decision without corresponding action ultimately means you are still stuck in the same place. In order to move you will need strength. That is the fourth key. No one ever promised that the process of progress would be easy. It takes endurance. The bible puts it like this. Let us not be weary in well doing for in due season you will reap if you do not faint. God considers it “well doing” when we make the choice to change course for the better. He gives power to the faint and to them that have no might he increases strength.
The final key to making a comeback is “Stick To It” Many people start in the direction of change but don't go all the way. Here in America, most cars come with a sticker on them that tells the estimated number of miles per gallon the car will get when traveling in the city versus on the highway. The city number is always lower because of the stop and go in the city. It takes more gas to start and stop than it does to simply keep moving. In the case of the car and with us we run out of fuel sooner when we don't keep going. Even if the roads are bumpy and you face a steep uphill climb, stick to it. God has people like me in your corner to remind you that sticking to it insures you won't get stuck again.
Posted By: DAVID JOHNSON
Sunday, December 12th 2010 at 7:15PM
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