GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

Stop & Think: February 20, 2022

Defeat

What we do when defeat stares us in the face is the real touchstone of character. (Orison Swett Marden, 19th and 20th century American author)

At one time or another probably every active person has, as Marden put it, had “defeat stare us in the face.” It’s a daunting experience, isn’t it? No one likes to fail—not even to lose at checkers—but how we address those moments will determine ultimate success or failure. We can “cry over spilt milk” or wipe it up and move on. Trite, perhaps, but a good analogy for overcoming defeat.

If you fail under pressure, your strength is too small . . . The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again. (Proverbs 24:10, 16)

Stop & Think: February 19, 2022

Failure

Ninety-nine percent (99%) of failures come from people who make excuses. (George Washington Carver, 20th century American scientist)

When confronted with a failed project, most people are likely, as Carver says, to make excuses. Comedian Flip Wilson used to say, “The devil made me do it.” Why is it so hard to admit that we’ve made a mistake or failed to fulfill our assignment? The first step to overcoming our errors is just to admit them. Then, we can begin to start over with good intentions and confidence.

For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. (Romans 3:23)

Stop & Think: February 18, 2022

Perspective

Could a greater miracle take place than for us to look through each other’s eyes for an instant? (Henry David Thoreau, 19th century American essayist)

Others have said we should walk a mile in another person’s shoes to understand him and how he thinks. No doubt it would make life easier if we could see things from the other person’s perspective when we’re having a meaningful discussion. To think only from our point of view is to limit our ability to understand one another.

I appeal to you… [to] agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. (1 Corinthians 1:10)

Stop & Think: February 17, 2022

Leadership

Leadership is not someone at the top. It’s the person who takes the initiative and takes responsibility for either the opportunity or the crisis right in front of them. (Os Guiness, social critic)

Guiness is likely suggesting that we most often have an incorrect understanding of leadership. In his view, it’s the person who gets something done when he or she sees the need. You don’t have to be elected or appointed to a position of authority over others, you simply have to move forward when the occasion is right. Without doubt, others will follow your lead.

Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. (Ephesians 5:16)

Stop & Think: February 16, 2022

Rain

The best thing one can do when it’s raining is let it rain. (Henry Wadsworth Longfellow)

It’s a simple, obvious statement. Unless you’re planning to play in the rain, you’ll probably stay indoors or use an umbrella. The one thing you can’t do is make it stop raining. You can’t always stop what’s happening in life, either. So, let it happen and take care to restore your balance when it’s all over so you’re prepared for the next unexpected event.

So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control. (1 Peter 1:13)

Stop & Think: February 15, 2022

Presidents’ Day

Any man worth his salt will stick up for what he believes [is] right . . . (Andrew Jackson, 7th U.S. president)

Jackson continues, “. . . but it takes a slightly better man to acknowledge instantly and without reservation that he is in error.” Remember the old Happy Days TV sitcom? Fonzie just could not admit to making a mistake. He stammered trying. That is a pretty good picture of many proud people who think they’re always right. Better the person who acknowledges his failures.

Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. (James 5:17)

Stop & Think: February 14, 2022

Valentine’s Day

Love is not just looking at each other; it’s looking in the same direction. (Antoine de Saint Exupéry, 20th century French poet)

Many dollars will be spent today on flowers, candy, and cards to express our love for someone.  Some will contain sentimental and even silly expressions. But love is a strong and important emotion. Saint-Exupéry’s simple comment might be helpful. When we truly love someone, we will want to be moving with the same purpose and intention as our loved one.

Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. (1 Corinthians 13:7)

Stop & Think: February 13, 2022

Finding the Best

When we seek to discover the best in others, we somehow bring out the best in ourselves. (William Ward Ayer, late American pastor)

In a society that too often is self-centered, many people do not seem to understand that they are part of a larger community. To them, it’s always looking out for their own interests and advancements. Others have discovered the truth of Ayer’s observation. It’s a joy to see and appreciate the positive traits in others and a double joy to discover your own strengths.

The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed. (Proverbs 11:25)

Stop & Think: February 12, 2022

Happiness

We’re just about as happy as we make up our minds to be. (Abraham Lincoln)

On this birthday of Lincoln, we are grateful not only for his political savviness and leadership but also for his down-home logic and simplicity. A lot of people spend time, energy, and money trying to find or create happiness as if it were to be found in things or places. In reality, being happy is the result of right thinking and behavior.

A glad heart makes a happy face… For the happy heart, life is a continual feast. (Proverbs 15:13, 15)

Stop & Think: February 11, 2022

Feelings

Hope is the feeling we have that the feeling we have is not permanent. (Mignon McLaughlin)

As noted yesterday, “No feeling is final.” We may feel bad when we know that some really great feeling like joy, love, or happiness is not going to last. On the other hand, it’s a great comfort to know that feelings of sadness, disappointment, and failure will pass too. What we must remember is that our lives should be strongly attached to something more lasting than feelings.

Blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. (Jeremiah 17:7)

Stop & Think: February 10, 2022

Feelings

Let everything happen to you: beauty and terror. Just keep going. (Ranier Maria Rilke, late Austrian poet)

Here’s the real lesson from Rilke in his final comment: “No feeling is final.” His counsel to “just keep going” is worthy advice. No matter the circumstance, we can’t just stop living, we must move on. But the Hallmark movie advice, “Just follow your feelings,” can be dangerous advice. Not only do feelings change; they must be balanced with clear thinking and reason.

Wise people think before they act. (Proverbs 13:16)

Stop & Think: February 9, 2022

Know it All

It is better to know some of the questions than all of the answers. (James Thurber, late humorist and author)

Have you ever known someone who had all the answers, no matter what the questions? He or she wasn’t always the nicest person to be around; conversations were often short-changed because an answer was quickly given before there was any helpful discussion. Maybe, like Jeopardy, we might begin with the answer and try to find the questions. Would that be helpful?

Anyone who claims to know all the answers doesn’t really know very much. (1 Corinthians 8:2)