Optimist Challenge Day 2

Welcome back friends! I hope you experienced a more positive day yesterday as a result of starting this heart and attitude adjustment challenge. Lets go ahead and jump right into today’s challenge!

Trust God’s Ways, Even When You Don’t Like Them

“I once complained that I had no shoes, until I met a man who had no feet.”

Do you ever feel like God is picking on you? As if He might be working overtime to try to tests your faith through the many trials that seem to keep coming? 

In fact, you may even feel like a modern day Job at times, certain that God has given the enemy permission to attack you from every direction. But how sad it would be to have to get up every morning feeling that way! Waking up to an attitude of woe-is-me every day, is a sure recipe for a big ‘ol heaping portion of pessimism pie!

We all know that life is hard. But sometimes it seems we have more than our fair share of hard stuff to deal with – and sometimes, that may actually be true.  Yet even harder than dealing with problems, is mastering the art of not letting those problems destroy our attitudes, steal our joy, or weaken our faith.

When we are struggling, we can become so focused on the problems, that we can easily become consumed by them. Drowning in a sea of despair and worry, unable to see anything good,  because our eyes are blinded by frustration and worry.

If we step back and get an eagle’s eye view, we can be reminded that although disappointment, failure and difficulties are part of our lives, they do not signify the entirety of our existence. We can either choose to drown, or choose to fight. Fight for optimism. Fight for an attitude of gratitude. Fight for faith, despite our feelings. Fight for a life filled with joy, instead of negativity.

The old Indian Proverb which I stated above holds the moral that we should take our eyes off of the things that are not going right in our lives, and focus on all the things that are. How often do we focus on the bad, instead of remembering the good? How often do we complain about God’s seemingly lack of intervention in some situations,  while failing to thank Him for all the ways He is moving in our life in other areas?

If you think about it, life is like a puzzle. Some pieces of the puzzle are fun, rewarding, and exciting. Other puzzle pieces are hard, sad, and difficult. Some pieces are easy to understand and we know right where to place them, while others are confusing and we feel frustrated in not being able to understand how they fit into the big puzzle picture. 

But nonetheless, all the pieces fit together to make up this unique life that God has given us. One life. Our life.

A life that is not perfect, but is filled with God’s love.  Psalm 36:5 says “Your unfailing love, O Lord, is as vast as the heavens; your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds.”

I know how easy it is to forget that God loves us, when it seems He is allowing hardship and pain to fill our days. But I have to realize that before we can sincerely trust in God’s ways, we have to first embrace the truth of how much He loves us.

So even though God may allow or even cause difficulties in our lives, according to His will,  He always has a purpose for everything, as we are told in Romans 8:28. His goal is not to make us miserable, but to draw us closer to Him during the triumphs and defeats; during the mountaintop experiences and the times in the valley; through the good and the bad.

God could change our circumstances at any time, but He is always more interested in changing us through our circumstances, rather than simply changing our circumstances.

1 Peter 1:6-7 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

Day 2 Challenge Activity:   Trust God’s Ways, Even When You Don’t Like Them

If you have been blaming God for your problems, or have been angry at God for allowing trials to happen in your life, ask God today to forgive you for doubting His sovereignty.

Pray earnestly and ask God to show you how He is at work in the midst of your circumstances and relationships. Pray for open eyes and an open heart to be able to see His activity in your life, and for the strength and willpower to trust that something good can come out of even the worst situations.  Ask for the ability to be thankful for what you do have, instead of what you do not.

Jot down a few of your biggest hardships, and try to think of at least one positive thing that could come out of it.  Most importantly, practice being optimistic – despite what is going on around you.

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40 Comments

  1. cjr on Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 2:07 pm

    Again, thanks for this challenge. I know deep in my heart that I have many things to be thankful for. But as you mentioned, it is easier to focus on things that are going wrong instead of focusing on the things that are not good. I am hoping and praying that I will be able to get rid of the “negative” garbage in my life that I have carried for so long.



  2. JD on Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 3:18 pm

    Yesterday’s Day 1 Optimist Challenge really did help me and I noticed a difference in my day! I look forward to today’s challenge. Attitude of gratitude!



  3. SueBE (suebradfordedwards@yahoo.com) on Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 3:38 pm

    Tracie,
    Again, thank you! Already this morning, I’ve spent a good bit of time wallowing in my problems, ignoring the many blessings. And the embarrassing part? The growth opportunity resulting from the problems is sooooo obvious, and still I whine.

    Your post was just the nudge I needed. Attitude of gratitude from now until bedtime. Got it!

    –SueBE



  4. Laura on Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 4:57 pm

    I needed this today! I woke up thinking about this challenge and how I can be optimistic today. But there are some things going on in my life right now I don’t understand and I know I just have to trust God. I was getting down and went to your blog to see if day 2 was up yet. When I read, “Trust God’s Ways, Even When You Don’t Like Them” I felt like it was just for me.(Smiles)

    Thank you,
    Laura



  5. cupcake on Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 5:22 pm

    I’m going through a stressful time and this challenge is just what I need.



  6. LaTara on Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 5:36 pm

    “God could change our circumstances at any time, but He is always more interested in changing us through our circumstances, rather than simply changing our circumstances.” These are the words that really spoke to me today! Thank you so much for encouraging us all to be more positive and optimistic.



  7. Anonymous on Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 6:36 pm

    Thank you for the reminder to focus on what we do have, instead of what we don’t. =)
    -Rubi



  8. Jennifer Dougan on Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 7:54 pm

    Hi Tracie,
    Well, this time of huge uncertainty in my and my husband’s jobs is a great time for really leaning into trusting God, and seeking him out. I love the verses right now in Psalm 131: 2 and 5. “But I have stilled and quieted my soul…” “I wait for the Lord; my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope.”

    Still hard, but it’s good to look at it with optimism. Thanks for that reminder this morning.

    Jennifer Dougan
    http://www.jenniferdougan.com



  9. Heloen Tisdale on Friday, September 23, 2011 at 1:56 am

    This challenge couldn’t have come at a better time in my life. I continually fail a test that I have to keep repeating over. This is so helping me to react a different way! Thankyou.



  10. Anonymous on Friday, September 23, 2011 at 7:49 am

    Thank you Tracie. Yesterday I was so stressed. Your post help me so much. I keep eyes on the Lord. I begin the day optimist. Thank you Lord you are so good in any circumstance.
    Sorry for my english. I’m from Belgium

    Nadia



  11. Linda on Friday, September 23, 2011 at 9:54 am

    Thank you Tracie! This challenge came along at the right time. It’s amazing to see how God works in our lives!



  12. Joanna on Friday, September 23, 2011 at 11:11 am

    Just the reminder I needed this morning… As I was frustrated because my boys were up before the sun after I was up every two hours last night with their newborn sister. BUT I have children to love and give myself to, and that is something many would pay a great price to enjoy.



  13. Cindy on Friday, September 23, 2011 at 11:31 am

    Love the Indian Proverb



  14. Anonymous on Friday, September 23, 2011 at 11:45 am

    Tracie, The timing of this is SO GOD. What else can I say but THANKS for sharing. ~Melody Ann



  15. Raspberrymama on Friday, September 23, 2011 at 11:54 am

    Your quote, “Before we can sincerely trust in God’s ways, we have to first embrace the truth of how much He loves us.” is such a powerfully true statement! And when we catch a glimpse of the depth of His love for us, our lives will forever be changed! Thank you for starting this challenge! God Bless!



  16. Janine on Friday, September 23, 2011 at 11:59 am

    I can honestly say that Day 1 felt a little better than normal. I am looking forward to the 2nd day of the challenge as I allow God to work in my life. I have shared this challenge with three of my closest friends and hope they will join me! Blessings to you Tracie and all who are participating in this challenge!



  17. Anonymous on Friday, September 23, 2011 at 12:10 pm

    These challenges are like a jumpstart. I motor along, doing my devotions, talking to God, but end up going through the motions at times. Jumpstart! What a blessing to be reminded (continually on my part it seems!) of ALL of the Lord’s blessings and ALL of the good things He wants for me, even when I see them as bad things at times. He’s the road I need to follow, I just have steer to stay on the road.



  18. Anonymous on Friday, September 23, 2011 at 12:15 pm

    I have had many trials in this life but the one that lkeeps repeating itself is financial hardship. I’m worn out. I moved my family top florida after a forclosure for my husbands dream job. After 3 yrs of not having a good one we were thrilld. It even pd our living. They lost the bid so he lost the job now we have no money coming in. Hard to rejoice. Honestly.



  19. Carly Barlow on Friday, September 23, 2011 at 12:28 pm

    Thanks Tracie…this is speaking right to my heart this morning!! God always shows up when we seek Him!



  20. Pam on Friday, September 23, 2011 at 12:31 pm

    I began counting the gifts with Ann and a community of others at A Holy Experience and it has made the biggest difference. Focusing on seeing God in my days through the smallest of things is a powerful exercise. I can’t make sense of this season our family is in right now, but I know I must fully trust HIM and HIS ways : )

    Again, thank you for the challenge. It’s helping me in more ways than you’ll ever know.

    Sweet Blessings,
    Pam



  21. momys1234567 on Friday, September 23, 2011 at 1:03 pm

    I definitely need to be challenged in this area!! I struggle so much sometimes to be happy even though I know I have and have been given so much!! Thanks for the daily reminders!!



  22. valerie in TX on Friday, September 23, 2011 at 1:53 pm

    “Before we can sincerely trust in God’s ways, we have to first embrace the truth of how much He loves us.” So, so true.



  23. Kirsten on Friday, September 23, 2011 at 2:00 pm

    “for I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you hope and a future.” I know the Words, but to learn to truly trust that He is using my difficult circumstances to change me in ways that will bring Him glory is the challenge. Thanks for the reminder to focus on having an attitude of gratitude, no matter what my circumstances may be.



  24. Anonymous on Friday, September 23, 2011 at 2:23 pm

    As I focus on the good, I realize just how much garbage/negativity pops into my head. I try to “take captive those thoughts and make them obedient to Christ” but it seems like just as soon as I do, another thought pops up. Thanks for reminding me to focus on the good.



  25. Nancy on Friday, September 23, 2011 at 2:33 pm

    This is a particular challenge for me as I question this plan of my mother suffering from dementia and just fading away, becoming sick and then unable to understand the treatments so I try to remember to “Trust in the Lord….and lean not on (my)own understanding” even when I don’t like what appears to be “the plan”. Thank-you for your words of encouragement and reminders of God’s love for each of us.



  26. Lynn on Friday, September 23, 2011 at 3:20 pm

    This challenge has come at a very opportune time — another proof that God is working through our lives at all times.



  27. Mary S. on Friday, September 23, 2011 at 3:28 pm

    Sent this one right on to my man! Crazy things going on in our marriage and this is was truly something we both need to think about!!



  28. Anonymous on Friday, September 23, 2011 at 4:09 pm

    My family is going through financial hardships but we are trusting in Him to see us through this.
    Thanks again for the challenge!

    Janet
    gatorgirl66@hotmail.com



  29. Lynn Bowman on Friday, September 23, 2011 at 5:45 pm

    Thanks for this reminder! It is so easy to focus on the negative things so much that you don’t see the positive things happening around you. This needs to be a daily activity. Before I put my feet to the floor, each morning I thank God for another wonderful day, eventhough I don’t know what that day will bring. I know He is in control and He loves me! That’s a wonder that never ceases to amaze me. Thanks for this challenge! God is so good!!!



  30. Jewels on Friday, September 23, 2011 at 6:32 pm

    It really hit home when you mentioned that how we focus more on what we don’t have rather than focusing on what we do have and all that the Lord has done for us already. I often do focus on small problems and neglect to see how much the Lord has protected me and family from. How much he has spared me from worse situations. Praise His Holy Name!!



  31. Kim Heredia on Friday, September 23, 2011 at 7:21 pm

    During a financial crunch- I see that God can teach me gratitude for what I have, & trusting him to meet needs & desires.



  32. Debbie C on Friday, September 23, 2011 at 8:13 pm

    1 Peter 5:10 (KJV) 10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. I look forward to the latter rain: where God promises to make me perfect, to stablish, strengthen & settle me. And yet will I trust Him…



  33. Anonymous on Friday, September 23, 2011 at 10:33 pm

    I really need to be positive despite my circumstances and hold in to the truths.



  34. ashley on Saturday, September 24, 2011 at 3:19 am

    Thank you! I have been struggling in this area for quite some time. A couple years ago, my husband & I lost our firstborn. There are times when it is SO very hard to see the big picture. I know He will work it all out for good 🙂



  35. Carla on Saturday, September 24, 2011 at 5:53 am

    It has been a very tough season, losing someone close to me to cancer and financial hardships that are very scary. Thank you for the reminder to focus on what I have, on God and on His love for me.



  36. Anonymous on Saturday, September 24, 2011 at 11:28 pm

    More Awesome!!!



  37. one-step-at-a-time on Tuesday, September 27, 2011 at 2:35 am

    Beth Moore said in one of her studies, God is never late but He sure misses a lot of good opportunities to be early. Sometimes I can’t understand why and when God works. However, when I look back at His marvelous timing I am reminded of how great our God is and how he knows exactly what I need and when I need it.



  38. Juliekg on Thursday, September 29, 2011 at 5:02 pm

    Thanks for the reminder. There’s a song that says something like when you can’t see His plan trust His heart. It’s good to remember that we can trust Him no matter what.



  39. HeBGB on Sunday, October 9, 2011 at 12:27 pm

    This comment has been removed by the author.



  40. HeBGB on Sunday, October 9, 2011 at 12:29 pm

    Thanks for putting pen to paper to remind me what I often remind myself: Look for the Good. There is so much good that can often get overlooked in the search for perfection or simply in noticing what is wrong instead of what is right.



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Tracie Miles is a bestselling author and the Director of COMPEL Training with Proverbs 31 Ministries.  She helps women grow stronger in their faith, pursue the life of purpose God designed them for and live a life of peace, joy and happiness despite their circumstances.

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