Are you looking for a game changer, Dear Reader? Not something that will turn your social media posts into the seemingly perfect lives of everyone else on your favorite platform. We’re talking about a real game-changer, one that you can start using in any area of your life today.
Take a look at this slightly offbeat video. How would you characterize the attitude of the male character?
What was your first thought, Dear Reader? Was it naive, cynical, foolhardy? Maybe it was desperate, depressed. Sure, I could see any of those, but are they positive game-changers?
Look really close. Deep in the recesses of Charlie Brown, I totally believe he has the ultimate game-changer, and just doesn’t know it yet or how to tap into it. What’s the game-changer? HOPE!
Okay, Dear Reader, before you metaphorically roll your eyes at me, and say, “Duh, Alice!”, let’s just consider today’s post a gentle reminder, shall we? Trust me, I know I’m probably preaching to the choir, but it’s also to myself.
Let’s get this gentle reminder started with a few ways a little tweaking can help us tap into the ultimate game-changer: people, perspective, prayer, and power.
Do you recognize the character of Joe Btfsplk from the “Li’l Abner” comic strip? Do you know anyone like this, Dear Reader?
Years ago there were two Joe-type people in my life, both very dear to me. It took a long time to realize their chronically hopeless attitudes of half-empty glasses were draining my glass of hope.
As a new mom, I eventually figured out I didn’t need negativity or hopelessness distracting me from the joys of my infant daughter. I had to make a choice, as painful as it was, between a family member and friend.
I learned two important lessons from making that choice, Dear Reader. One was that attitudes are contagious. The other was that I was the only one who could change mine for the better. The bonus came years later when I realized that when I choose to tap into the ultimate game-changer of hope, it really can splash onto those around me.
So speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope so you’ll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind. I know you’re already doing this; just keep on doing it.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 MSG
One of the most important lessons I learned as a school administrator was how crucial it is to look at things from different perspectives. My job was to see things from all stakeholder perspectives . . .
If I only looked at a situation from one perspective, or just my own, things usually didn’t go well. The same is also true in life, Dear Reader.
It’s easy to complain about the economy, or neighbors, or rush hour. Being thankful for resources to buy groceries, or intentionally trading aggravation for an act of kindness, or praising God for each safe arrival, opens doors to hope. Broadening my perspective makes all the difference.
Don’t just think about your own affairs, but be interested in others, too, and in what they are doing.
Phillipians 2:4 TLB
My personal belief system tells and confirms that God longs for prayer not to be simply a laundry list of wants and wishes. He longs for prayer to be honest and empathetic dialog.
As we consider the way prayer helps us tap into hope as a game-changer, can we put ourselves into this conversation?
God’s Child: Lord, you know the hopes of humble people. Surely you will hear their cries and comfort their hearts by helping them. (Psalm 10:17 TLB)
God: Come to me and I will give you rest—all of you who work so hard beneath a heavy yoke. Wear my yoke—for it fits perfectly—and let me teach you; for I am gentle and humble, and you shall find rest for your souls; for I give you only light burdens. (Matthew 11:28 TLB)
God’s Child: Never forget your promises to me your servant, for they are my only hope. They give me strength in all my troubles; how they refresh and revive me! (Psalm 119:49-50 TLB)
God: I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you and continued My faithfulness to you. (Jeremiah 31:3b AMP)
Dear Reader, to me the best way to pursue hope is through prayer. When we completely let go, becoming transparent, we usher in hope by engaging in intimate communion with God.
The grace (favor and spiritual blessing) of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the presence and fellowship (the communion and sharing together, and participation) in the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen (so be it).
2 Corinthians 13:14 AMPC
Dear Reader, when we choose to share hope instead of letting other people suck it out of us, we’re tapping into the ultimate game-changer.
When we deliberately try to see things from a different perspective, we’re choosing new ways to tap into hope.
If we can allow ourselves to meet with God head-on in prayer, dragging our messy pieces with us, He begins to put them all together. That’s when the power of hope can become the ultimate game-changer in our lives.
May God, the source of hope, fill you with all joy and peace by means of your faith in him, so that your hope will continue to grow by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13 GNT
