An Overcomer’s Attitude

I determined a long time ago that I would not let circumstances, attitudes of others, or the vigor of the way prevent me from going on with God and living the life of victory. I have discovered in life that my attitude, not the trials I face or the opinions of others, determines the final outcome of whatever I set out to achieve. One must face life with determination--one step, trial, or challenge at a time--if he is to be a winner.

Attitude is very powerful and largely determines one’s success or failure in life. It is the glasses through which he views every relationship, event, and experience. It is his viewpoint of and in life.

The classic scripture used as a model of attitude is Philippians 2:5: "Let this mind [attitude] be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus." Here we are commanded to have the attitude that was in Christ.

Attitude largely determines our accomplishments in life. It always bothers me to hear someone say, "I can’t!" One who thinks he can’t succeed will almost surely not be disappointed. Failure in accomplishments has more to do with attitude than it does with opportunity and ability. As the old saying goes, "quitters never win and winners never quit." Paul knew the formula for success when he said, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" (Philippians 4:13).

I once heard the following illustration that very appropriately illustrates our message today:

“A lesson in "heart" is my little 10 year old daughter, Sarah, who was born with a muscle missing in her foot and wears a brace all the time. She came home one beautiful spring day to tell me she had competed in "field day" - that’s where they have lots of races and other competitive events. Because of her leg support, my mind raced as I tried to think of encouragement for my Sarah, things I could say to her about not letting this get her down - but before I could get a word out, she said ‘Daddy, I won two of the races!’ I couldn’t believe it! And then Sarah said, ‘I had an advantage.’ Ah. I knew it. I thought she must have been given a head start...some kind of physical advantage. But again, before I could say anything, she said, ‘Daddy, I didn’t get a head start... My advantage was I had to try harder!’”

Although we don’t all have the same aptitudes, talents, and stations in life as others, we all have one thing in common. We have the caring and enabling power of the Lord Jesus. Whatever He desires for us, He makes us able to achieve-if we set ourselves to press forward, persevering.

Feelings of self-pity, low self-esteem, inadequacy, and rejection are all emotional traps that could keep any of us from relating well to others and from achieving great things in life if we let them. They should be judged for the failure traps that they are.

I recently read an article about George Foreman. The article describes his last prize fight. He was beaten pretty severely for ten rounds by his younger opponent, and then he saw and took advantage of his opportunity. With one smashing blow he knocked out his opponent, winning the match. His recent comment was, "I have decided to stay out of the ring. I need to give the younger guys a chance!" What a guy! No matter how life and circumstances knocks us around, it often only takes one good act of faithfulness on our part for us to come through victoriously.

Paul beautifully summed up our potential in Christ: "Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen" (Ephesians 3:2).

Jeff