Day 2 of Detox; 7 Day Fast From Negativity

His hands are twisted and useless. He can’t bath himself, feed himself, brush his teeth, comb his hair, or even put on his underwear. His shirts are held together by strips of Velcro. He drags like a worn-out audio cassette. Robert has Cerebral Palsy.

This terrible disease keeps him from driving a car, riding a bike, and going for a walk. But, it didn’t keep him from graduating from High School, or attending Abilene Christian University, where he graduated with a degree in Latin.

Having Cerebral Palsy didn’t keep him from teaching at St. Louis Jr. College or from venturing overseas on 5 mission trips. It didn’t prevent him from becoming a missionary in Portugal either. He moved to Lisbon, alone in 1972, rented a hotel room and began studying Portuguese. He found a restaurant owner who would feed him after rush hour and a tutor who would instruct him in the language.

Then he stationed himself daily in the park where he distributed brochures that told the message of salvation. Within 6 years he had led more than 70 people into faith in Jesus Christ, one whom became his wife Rosa.

When he speaks at special events men have to carry him in his wheelchair onto the platform. He lays his Bible in his lap and with stiff fingers forces open the pages…while people in the audience wipe away their tears.

Robert could have asked for sympathy or pity, but he does just the opposite; he holds his twisted arms and bent hands in the air and declares… “I have everything I need for joy!”

Psalm 77:3 says, “I complained and my spirit was overwhelmed.” Dr. Dale Robbins wrote, “I used to think people complained because they had a lot of problems. But I have come to realize that they have problems because they complain.” Complaining doesn’t change anything or make situations better. It only amplifies the problem and makes us feel as though we’ll never see change.

As the Psalmist wrote Psalm 46, was feeling overwhelmed. It seemed as though everything was in turmoil and confusion. Everything that was normally stable was now in disarray. Notice his response when he writes…“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though its waters roar and be troubled ; though the mountains shake with its swelling. …be still and know that I am God and I will be exalted…”

The Hebrew says, “Relax; I’m still God and I will be exalted even in this!”

You see, sometimes we can’t determine the conditions or circumstances of our lives, but we can determine how they affect us. As you read this, you may be feeling weary, overwhelmed, or emotionally exhausted. Maybe circumstances have taken a turn for the worse. It may seem as though everything is going wrong. Your heart is broken, tears are flooding your eyes, and your dreams have been dashed on the rocks. But it is in times like these that you must remember that there is something within you that is infinitely greater than anything around you. There is something that stress, pain, disappointment or betrayal cannot take away…your power to choose a good attitude.

Even in the worst of times, He is still Lord, you are still His child. Brother Schambach used to say, “When you feel fed up, it you can just keep your head up, there will be a let up and you will see the victory!” If you can maintain a positive attitude, you will rise above your critics, your circumstances and even your mistakes.

You always have a reason to be positive. Even on your worst day, you are still born-again, covered by the blood, protected by angels, the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit, on your way to heaven and an heir of every promise in the Bible!

Make a decision to nurture joy and thankfulness in your heart whether we feel like it or not.  Choose today to meditate upon the promises of God! Negative circumstances are never acceptable reasons for negative living! They are excuses but not reasons! Regardless of where you’re living, or what you are driving; even if you have no money , your clothes have holes in them, your house is in foreclosure, and there is pain in your body…choose to give God thanks. Keep your head up! Help is on the way! Your positive attitude will give you the strength to keep pressing on until the circumstances change..and they will. “Weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning…”it’s morning time!