Encouragement

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Have you ever attended a sporting event
where the teams' cheerleaders did not cheer on their
home team? Or better yet have you ever witnessed
cheerleaders that insulted or put down their own team
especially during challenging moments, or even when the
team was losing? That would be an odd sight
indeed, as it is expected that cheerleaders are the
voice of encouragement and positivity no matter
what. When we face the challenges of change it is
no different, encouragement and positivity is absolutely
essential to any changes that we are to make.
While it is obvious that God is unconditionally our
greatest voice of support, it is important that we do
not neglect another important source of support and
positivity which comes from
within ourselves. We must be committed to
maintaining a positive stance toward ourselves and
effort despite any up's and down's that we may
face.



Many times we feel great
about ourselves when we are experience
success with changes that God makes, but
these good feelings can quickly give way to
negativity when we begin experiencing difficulty. It
becomes surprisingly easy to slip back into the old
perceptions, discouragement, and
surrendering a positive view of ourselves for
a critical attitude. Before long these attitudes
create an additional battle, draining us of the vital
energy that we need to go forth facing our personal
challenges. We can take heart when we are confronted
with our less than flattering inabilities, because we
know that God will never allow us to ultimately
fail, despite the frustration or let downs of our
stumbling. It is God that we look to who
ultimately gives us the power to make any changes,
however when we become discouraged, angry with, and
critical of ourselves, we slip out of accord
with God who always sees the best,
and positively supports us.



Keeping a positive attitude about
ourselves is not always easy but we must understand
both how and why it is possible. Positivity is
crucial because, it keeps us speaking the same language
as God. God's holds toward us is an unyeilding positive
view at all times. It is through positivity that
he connects with us, providing us with
reassurance, love, and encouragement. When we
are negative regarding ourselves we step out of
accord with God and interupt the flow of his
unconditional and constant comfort. When we begin
to attack ourselves we bring trouble to ourselves, and
divide ourselves from God's help (Matt 12:25). It
is more difficult for God to work against you
than with you. Our negative attitudes often
are the result of frustration. We become frustrated
because we are limited in power to make the changes
that we desire. God on the other hand is
never limited by frustration as he knows that he always
has the power to do something, he is never out of
options this being our greatest
advantage. Therefore God is never involved in
any negative or critical views that we may take on
regarding ourselves, even when we are
unsucessful.



Although it is true that God's positive
view is constant and there for us, we must learn to
agree with it. We must learn to yeild, listen
to, and be influenced by the positive rather than being
swept away by the storm of negativity. Moreover we
must be dedicated to his positivity despite
the outcomes and circumstances of our challenges.
Accomplishing this brings us one step closer to being by
his side at all times. We know that he can always
be found in perfect goodness and
positivity. Following the positivity of the
Holy Spirit is quite different than trying to create our
own. Our own attempts at trying to
create positivity will undoubtly lead to more
frustration as we fail and become
incredibily ingenuine in the process. In
order to truely take on the positivity of the Holy
Spirit we must simply follow him choosing to accept his
grace in the moment, rather than allowing our
frustration to drain our strength (John
16:13).



There are many
benefits of speaking the wonderful
language of God's positivity. First, we are
assured that we can never miss God's view when we are
speaking the language of
positivity. Posivity keeps us at
one with God and gives us the strength and
momentum we need to stay above any personal
challanges despite outcomes. This language is
not only the preferred language of God, but yeilds
a connection that promotes the accurate views of
God regarding our direction. God is able to
give direction, guidence and instruction, and when we
are submitted to his positivity we are always able
to both hear and understand it.


Finally, his positivity keeps us strong.
When facing our own struggles, we need all of
the strength that we can get, and must be
careful not to let our precious energy be drained
by critical attitudes regarding ourselves.
Although God is unconditionally on our team it is also
important we are on our own team as well through a
positive attitude, sharing the view that
the Holy Spirit has toward us. Support
yourself and love yourself as God does. He thinks that
you are worth it and so should you. God
Bless.

Copyright 2005-Samantha Cole

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