I know I use Joel Olsteen as an example quite often, but he does such a fantastic job of lifting others to their potential greatness, when so many other evangelists attempt to strike the "fear of God" into people already so beaten-down by life's journey. I want to share a point-of-view from Joel's teachings that should give you something to think about.
While I believe that we are given many tough lessons to learn, I do believe these lessons are for our growth and benefit. Whether you believe these lessons are given by God or by the universe, it makes no difference; the lessons are still for your good and not to punish or torture you.
As a child, and even as an adult, I have heard people, in an attempt to comfort themselves or someone else, make the statement, "God never gives us more than we can handle."
I agree with this statement, but most people are usually referring to hard times and I just happen to believe that this truth also refers to the good things in life as well.
What if we are not given more "good" or "bad" than we can handle? What if becoming a multi-millionaire would be more than you can handle and that is the reason it has not been thrust upon you as quickly as you would like?
When we experience a failed marriage or a failed business, if we're paying attention, there are plenty of lessons to learn that will help us to make better decisions in our next attempt at marriage or business.
What about the individual who gained financial wealth unexpectedly or at a young age, only to see it cause them misery and ruin? When this person loses the money, it doesn't necessarily mean they were not meant to be wealthy, it may have come and gone so abruptly to give the person a chance to learn some valuable lessons.
Most people I know that have had wealth at a young age or unexpectedly and lost it, usually believes that they have been blessed with a chance to learn from their losses, so that they will better handle the responsibility when they accomplish wealth again.
If you are working to become a financially wealthy person, you need to set aside a little time to really think about what your life will be like when you do become wealthy.
If we are not given more than we can handle, then maybe your goal of becoming financially wealthy will move along a little smoother if you will put some time and effort into making sure you are ready to handle the day-to-day responsibility of this wealth.
The same applies to marriage, a business, or anything else in life. I've heard many people who married young, only to see it fail in a short period of time, make the statement, "We were too young and not yet prepared for the responsibilities of marriage and so, it just didn't work out."
The next time you are questioning the validity of your goals or the speed in which they are being achieved, maybe you should stop and ask yourself, "Have I fully prepared myself for the attainment of my goal?" "Am I ready for my dream to come true?"
Whether you seek true love and marriage, the ultimate business opportunity, the job of your dreams or great wealth of any kind, the question you should be asking yourself every single day is:
"Have I done all that I can possibly do to make sure I can handle this thing that I want? If my goal were reached today; If my dreams were to suddenly become reality; would it be more than I can handle or am I ready for success in the things and the life that I want?"
Gift:
A wise man once said, "Most people don't achieve the ultimate success they desire, because deep down inside, they don't feel they are ready for it, so they quietly and unconsciously sabotage themselves."
I liked the quote used as a finishing touch to your posts. I believe that everything that happens in life, not only in life, but also in our surroundings, are all lessons to learn from. Anything that happens, good or bad, has it's wisdom, it happens for a reason. Now that I look back at my life, I see it all; a way of progression. Mistakes are here to build us, strengthen us :)
Posted by: Reema | May 20, 2007 at 05:52 AM