Soar to new heights

By CHERYL CRUCE

After receiving my bachelor’s in social work, I began applying to different seminaries to pursue my degree in Divinity. One afternoon I was speaking with a woman in admissions at a college I was interested in. As she explained the coursework and hours involved, I could feel my anxiety rising. There would be 95 hours of academic work to complete. Most would be online; however, I would be required to spend time on campus.
Her voice drifted into the background of my thoughts as she spoke of courses like Greek and Hebrew. What was I getting myself into? I was starting a new career when most people my age were retiring. At some point, my thoughts gained their voice, and I began to speak of multiple reasons why I could not attend. Words like time, family responsibility, age, inability to navigate online classrooms, and not being smart enough poured from my being. There was a moment of silence, and then she spoke, “Why decide to lose before the race begins.”
She was right! I had given every reason I would fail without considering reasons for success. Zig Ziglar said, “Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude.” My attitude had only considered my inabilities, not my abilities. I had not considered how God would lead me to the right decision, giving me knowledge and discernment. My altitude was quickly plummeting like a falling star whose light was extinguished. I needed to reset my attitude.
My reset came through reading the scripture. In committing my studies to the Lord, He would help me find success (Proverbs 16:3). I had no reason to fear academic challenges because God would lead me. If I found myself troubled, I could trust Him to strengthen, help, and lift me with His righteousness (Isaiah 41:10). My faith in Him would determine the heights of my altitude. Nevertheless, I would have to apply considerable work to my aptitude.
The same philosophy applies to everyday life and our decision to soar or plummet. I know life is not perfect. There will always be outside circumstances that occur. Some days feel like a month of Mondays with no end. Yet when we claim the promises of God over our lives, even a Monday can become a day filled with possibility. Possibility? Yes! Because all things are possible through Christ Jesus, who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13), including Greek and Hebrew.
In our lives, we will always need the strengthening of Christ. A dear friend recently gave me a refrigerator magnet that reads, “Not today, Satan.” Honestly, days will come when we need to proclaim, “Not Today,” asserting our faith in Jesus. Through Jesus, we can reach new possibilities and heights with God. Spiritually speaking, plummeting stars can regain their light and be reset in our sky when we trust the Lord.
I do not know where you are today or what you are facing. I do know you do not have to face anything alone. When you listen to His voice and do what is required, every tool you need to succeed will be found (1st Kings 2:3). That is a promise He has made to each of us. Make the choice; choose today to soar beyond man’s limitations and into God’s presence.
Jeremiah 29:11-13 For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. You will find me when you seek me if you look for me in earnest.

Cheryl Mixon-Cruce is Pastor of Ochlockonee Bay United Methodist Church and Sopchoppy United Methodist Church.