Vonda Rhodes knows how to turn a scary negative into a God-blessed positive, and I appreciate her attitude UPLIFT today.
Vonda asks, “Have you ever been faced with an unpleasant circumstance and found yourself 
immediately defaulting to the worst-case scenario?”
Actually, I (Dawn) used to use “worst-case scenarios” to talk myself out of my fears and worries, but Vonda has a better idea!
She continues …
“Instead of following ‘What if...’ with a negative, how about inserting one of God’s promises?
- What if I can trust You fully?
- What if You’re sovereign over all?
- What if Your provision is more than enough for this situation?
- What if You’ve forgiven me completely and I’m free from the enemy’s oppression?" *
There is more than one way to talk to yourself. You don’t have to be oppressed. Joy is possible even in the midst of trouble.
How? By renewing your mind with the Truth found in God’s Word. By getting into agreement with God and kicking out thoughts that don’t agree with His.
The God who gave you life is more than capable of handling all the details of your life. Trust Him. He is faithful!
I love the verse that says, “Keep your eyes on Jesus, the Pioneer and Perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2).
It doesn’t say, “Keep your eyes on your problems. Think of all the things that could possibly go wrong, worry, fret, be anxious and fearful and, in the process, make yourself and everyone else around you miserable.”
No, instead of negative “what ifs,” remind yourself who you are and Whose you are. It will help turn things around—beginning with your mood and attitude.
The devil would love nothing more than to steal your joy, because he knows that the joy of the Lord is your strength!
He would love to discourage and depress you. Don’t let him! Remember, the devil is a liar!
I remember times (before I knew better) that I would let the devil fill my mind with all kinds of wrong thoughts. It began with one thought, then he’d add another and another. The next thing I knew, I went from being mildly annoyed to completely depressed! I went from sitting on the couch to curled up on my bed and crying a river of tears based solely on the wrong thoughts I was meditating on in my own mind!
I am so thankful for revelation from God and great teaching from anointed preachers, teachers and pastors!
Remember that ultimately, all things will work together for your good, because you love God and have been called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). That is a promise from God! If God is for you (and He is), who can be against you? You, along with God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit make a majority!
Don’t give up in defeat. Armor up and fight back in the Spirit! Know in your heart that victory already belongs to you in Christ. And while you’re at it:
Smile and give the devil a nervous breakdown!
How would your life be affected if you lined up your thoughts with God’s today?
Vonda Rhodes is a full-time caregiver who resides in Arizona with her husband. She currently gives her free time to encouraging others on Facebook and actively serving in her local church.
Graphic in Text an adapted Image courtesy of stockimages / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
* Vonda's questions are adapted from the “Every Good Thing” calendar.