Why can’t we have the outlook of a child?
I would walk up to the plate in Little League Baseball and know that I was about to hit it out of the part. I knew Pete Rose would be proud of me. It didn’t happen, but every time I knew it would.
I would find a mound of dirt or make a ramp out of bricks and a board and know that I was about to fly through the air on my bike. I knew Evel Knievel would be proud of me. I never flew and often crashed, but every time I knew I could do it.
Kids seem to look for the positive (or at least we used to).
When you find someone today who is positive, it is amazing to notice how many others want to be around that person. A positive person makes you feel good. It is contagious. And being positive definitely improves your mood, improves your relationships, and makes life fun.
Paul had one. Even when he was imprisoned by the Romans with the very real possibility of death looming over him, he saw what could be. He wrote in Philippians 1:12-14: “Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually advanced the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard, and to everyone else, that my imprisonment is because I am in Christ. Most of the brothers have gained confidence in the Lord from my imprisonment and dare even more to speak the word fearlessly.”
Paul was not naïve. He knew that he could die because of his faith, but he also knew that God could do incredible things in spite of and through that end.
Jesus wants you to be encouraged as well. He does not want you to live while constantly discouraged. In fact, He commanded us to look for what could positively happen rather than reverting to thinking that the worst outcome is inevitable. Jesus said in John 14:1, “Don’t let your heart be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in Me.”
You may no longer be a child, but you can have the outlook of one. And you need it.
Don’t let your heart be troubled even when everyone else seems to do it. Believe God. Trust Him. Let Him surprise you.
When Dr. Jay Cook is asked to share a little of himself; his reply is, “Good question. I ask it a lot.” His delight is sharing that he is a blessed man – married to a wonderful woman (Kristi Cook) – and awed by his two amazing kids (Jameson & Amelia Rose). He has served in ministry for over 30 years and loves to help others in any way he can. Jay is the Associational Missions Strategist for the Leake County Baptist Association, and a part of an amazing new church (3:16 church) in Canton, MS. He also helps other churches (as he is able) through revivals, conferences, or however God leads. He shares his thoughts of a man just trying to live for Jesus (and wanting to help others do the same) through his blog at Dr. Jay Cook.
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Books by Dr. Jay Cook
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