Since I started blogging and writing books about faith-focused fitness, I’ve loved connecting with other like-minded women whom God is using to spread this message and strengthen His bride from the inside out. Author, blogger, and speaker Adrian Jessen is one such woman. I invited her to be my guest blogger this week because I know that what she has to say will bless your socks off as you fortify your mind with confidence in God’s amazing plans for your future!
By pondering two itty bitty, yet super-powerful words, you’ll be challenged today to pursue long-neglected dreams and go for “unattainable” goals – fitness-related or otherwise – that are just waiting to be accomplished! Without further ado, here’s Adrian!
What’s your dream?
No, really – What’s your dream? (I feel like the guy walking the street in Pretty Woman.)
I know there’s something. There is something that if tonight you went to bed and woke up tomorrow and THIS thing were true, you’d be so happy – elated even. So what is it?
Maybe you long to paint and have your own showing at an art gallery. Or maybe you’ve dreamed of serving within your church, or running a half marathon.
Today I want to talk about two words that will destroy all your dreams.
Whether you have dreams of pursuing your passion as a career, giving to the poor and powerless, or finding a freedom in better health and fitness, these two tiny words can end it all – in a flash!
Are you ready for them?
“What if?”
These are the two words that will destroy all your dreams. And, they can crush you in the time it takes to simply think them!
The “what if’s” are tricky, too. They will attack you from at least two sides:
1. YOUR PAST
“What if I hadn’t given up painting?”
“What if I had said ‘yes’ when the pastor asked me to serve in children’s ministry?”
“What if my husband had been more encouraging last time I tried to lose weight?”
Can you see where those past “what if’s” can really hold you back and get in the way of moving forward? The truth often times is this:
You can’t change your past, so why not change your future?
Instead of dwelling on all the “what if’s” from yesterday, the week before, or 20 years ago – make changes NOW!
Maybe you did quit something you loved or said no when you should have said yes (or said yes when you should have said no). Those things have already happened – stop focusing your energy and emotions on things you can’t change.
Instead – make today better! Make different choices today. And then tomorrow. And then the next day… get it?
Maybe you need to make amends for some things from that past. If that’s holding you back – take care of it, and then move forward!
2. YOUR FUTURE
“What if I fail again and don’t lose the weight? Or gain it back!”
“What if I apologize, and she doesn’t forgive me?”
“What if I start painting again, and everyone hates it?”
Maybe you haven’t played these “what if” games with yourself, but I sure have.
The “what if’s” of what MIGHT happen are often negative and pessimistic in nature.
Satan wants to hold you back, so he puts these thoughts in your head that keep you from achieving your goals, dreams, and God’s plan for your life.
It’s sort of like the “what if’s” of the past, though. Does thinking the worst change anything? Does thinking, “What if this bad thing or that bad thing happens?” really make things any better?
I’m guessing you’re vehemently shaking your head right now – NO! Worrying about what MIGHT happen tomorrow doesn’t help.
Paul said it this way,
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” – Matthew 6:34
Should you make preparations for tomorrow – sure! But does worrying about the “what if’s” of tomorrow benefit you (or anyone else for that matter) at all? Again, no – because when you worry, you’re robbing yourself of what good could happen today.
You can never worry away the possible pain of tomorrow, only your joy for today.
So, how about next time you’re thinking about pursuing your dreams and one of those negative “what if’s” pops in, you flip the script?
“What if everyone loves my paintings, and I can really earn my living doing what I love?”
“What if God can really use me to change those kids’ lives on Sunday mornings at church?”
“What if I not only finish a half marathon, but I also lose 15 pounds in the process?”
How about those “what if’s” instead?
Think about the fact that you are loved and you are a child of God, and when you seek His kingdom first and His will for your life, he will place those dreams in your heart that He wants you to have and wants you to achieve (Psalm 37:4 – check it out!).
So, forget the “what if’s” from yesterday and those from tomorrow, and just seek Him today!
I hope you enjoyed Adrian’s post as much as I did! What “what-if” statements are you going to flip today? What dreams are you going to embrace and chase without fear or worry holding you back? Tweet us at dandersontyler and AdrianJessenFit and let us know! For the original post, please visit Adrian’s blog!
