People are drawn to a consistently excited believer. You can stay enthused regardless of your financial status, family situation, or your past failures. Ephesians 2:6 says that God "hath raised us up together, and made us to sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus".
You may ask: How can I maintain or rebuild my enthusiasm? Here are four things you can do.
1. Rebuild your concept of God
Read the gospels. Read about the nature and the compassion of God. People matter to Jesus. He took time to talk to an immoral woman, little children, and a tax collector sitting in a tree. Spend time developing your concept of God; that will strengthen your faith toward Him.
2. Recognize the limitations of your adversary.
By studying the Word, you will understand that your enemy has limitations. Remember that he is an ex-employee of heaven who got "fired". Satan is a liar, a deceiver, a manipulator, and he is a loser. He is under dominion of every believer. Ephesians 1:22 states that Christ "hath put all things under his feet". That includes your adversary. Romans 8:37 reads that "we are more than conquerors".
3. Understand the needs of others.
Jesus detached himself from people if rebellion surfaced. He knew how to say no when necessary. "He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed", Proverbs 13:20. Some people can be a drain on your energy. Jesus knew this and would not allow it to happen to himself or his apostles.
4. Rebuild a good picture of yourself.
Our environment conditions us. Too often we become failure-conscious. It is easy to become problem oriented, concentrating on our weaknesses instead of our strengths. Remember that you are a miracle, and not a mistake. Begin to concentrate on your strong points. Stop talking about your lacks, and become thankful for the gifts that God has given you.
The preacher who wrote about half of the New Testament said: "I can do all things through Christ..." Philippians 4:13.
Paul stayed up in a down world. You can too!
