Human psychology has a huge influence on whether or not a person will achieve his goal – 80% psychology and 20% of his skills. The psychology aspect depends on how much you grow and improve yourself and are ready to do more than you thought you could possibly do.
One of the things that made a crucial impact on my personal success in achieving my goals was a RESOLVE. It is a determination to achieve a vision that is not negotiable and does not depend on circumstances. Often we can hear “I will try”, “We’ll see if the circumstances allow,” or “I’ll do it if nothing prevents me.”It is a mindset that, from the outset, directs a person in the wrong direction, because he has already determined that the achievement of his goals depends not on him, but on external influences, and if the circumstances are unfavorable or there will be obstacles which will prevent him, he will not be able to reach that goal. His decision to achieve is conditional.
As a result, when obstacles arise, his way of thinking will play against him – he will consciously stop pursuing his goal because his deep belief is that he can achieve the goal only if there are no obstacles and nothing prevents him. And, he will justify his decision to give up by saying “It just didn’t work out, there were too many problems, I don’t think it can be done, I guess it’s not meant to be, it’s too challenging” and so on.
Our goal cannot depend on whether there will be obstacles or not. Why do some people expect that there will be no obstacles and no difficulties in their path and that nothing will interfere with them when they attempt to achieve something? Let’s face it, when you set your intentions to achieve something great, you will face obstacles. You can count on them to show up. The reality is that you will have to conquer the resistance before you reach your success. The greater the vision and loftier your goals, the greater the resistance and obstacles you will meet.
Therefore, there must be a non-negotiable decision, a resolve when you can say to yourself, “I will achieve this no matter what.” It is a resolve that will not change when obstacles arise and will not depend on weather conditions, problems, motivation levels, difficulties, challenges or other people who convince you that you will not succeed anyway, and it will not change no matter what the circumstances are. And, no one will be able to stop you from achieving your goal because you have decided to go all the way until you reach it. It is a decision that has no “if” or “maybe”, but instead sees your goal as accomplished and it’s done, period.
ERROR: When a person lives in a mindset that his success depends on external circumstances (which he has no control over), he often avoids setting a clear vision and goals for himself, because he is afraid of what if he fails, what if circumstances will not be the way he expects, what if it’s impossible. In this way, he stops himself and does not even seek to improve his life, which will benefit him and those around him. And it’s not because it’s true that it is impossible, but because he chooses a way of thinking that limits his potential.
It’s easy to go the wrong way if you focus on what you’re afraid of instead of where you want to go.
This week, I want to share with you a video from the New
Beginnings church in Portland, OR, where I shared several testimonies from my
life about how God turns everything to the good in the life of those who love
God and whom He has chosen according to His purpose. It deeply surprised me
when I noticed for the first time that experiences that seemed bad to me were
actually for my benefit. And now, 15 years since that time, I see this in my
life as a law. The Lord never ceases to amaze me! And so, by sharing this, I
want to encourage you.
Romans 8:28 NKJV: “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”
As I was in the process of restoring my life after the car
accident, so many times hopelessness was staring at me with its cold gaze.
There were so many difficulties and problems! There were days and even years
when it seemed to me that the Lord did not hear my prayers. I knew that He saw
what I was experiencing, but I could not understand why there were no answers
to some of my prayers, why the Lord was silent.
There were times when I told the Lord that He misunderstood
me – this was not what I wanted. 🙂 From time to time, I just couldn’t
understand what God was doing in my life. Many times I stood before my Lord in
tears, asking Him: “Why, Lord? Why am I going through this, why this had to happen?”
And then, I would say to Him: “No matter what happens, I
trust you, Lord. I know that you see everything, and you are a just God, and
you know much better what’s good for me. Please give me the strength to get
through this time.” And I would pull myself together and continued making every
effort in everything I worked on, and patiently waited for what would happen
next.
Interestingly, after my prayer, my circumstances did not
change immediately, but I received inner strength to withstand the hardships
and felt my enthusiasm and boldness increased. I had the endurance to persevere
and attain my goals and improve my situation. At times it took me enormous
effort to make the smallest step. Nevertheless, I continued making step after
step, no matter how difficult it was. And I kept on going, despite the length
of my desert and the storms that I had to endure. I kept on going until I
reached my vision.
And what an amazing revelation it was to see that everything
— including hard times, trials, difficulties and even destruction and even my
mistakes — all worked together for good, as it is written in the Bible in
Romans 8:28!
It was the fourth year after the accident when I first
noticed it. I was already in California. I was outside, enjoying the sunny
weather. Wearing my comfortable prosthetic legs, I reflected on my life, being
deeply in awe of how incredibly my circumstances changed. When I thought about
the sequence of events and how they affected my life, suddenly I realized – I
would not have the blessing that I had if I had received the answer to my
prayers when I wanted and how I wanted it!
I clearly saw that it was my pain, combined with the deep
disappointment that made me look for help internationally. Not having received
the help from local specialists, on the Internet I began to look for help in
other countries. So it turns out that I would not have looked for help and I would
not have met an American prosthetics specialist if it were not for that
unbearable pain and hopelessness! It turns out that disappointment and despair indeed
worked for the better.
During those two years, at times I would say to God in
prayer, “Lord, I trust you so wholeheartedly. Why do you not answer my prayers?
Why are You silent?” It seemed to me that God did not hear my prayers and did
not give any answers. But it turns out that the Lord did hear me and He was
already answering, I just did not know it. His answer to my request and my dream
came to me in a different way and at a different time than I wanted. The Lord
had a much more beautiful plan for my life, and He was fulfilling it. It was a
plan that I could not even imagine in my dreams!
Moreover, the most interesting thing is that the
hopelessness and my relentless perseverance to find a way and wait for the
answer from the Lord brought me from Europe to sunny California – the place that
had a perfect climate and fully accessible environment for people in wheelchairs!
It brought me across the globe from not accessible environment to a fully
accessible place, where I could become independent again and live a full life!
God had a plan for my life, a plan to restore my life after the car accident,
and His plan was so much better than mine.
It was the first time I saw the value in hardship, pain, and
despair. Frankly, it was quite unusual and hard to admit it. However, I was
sincerely grateful for those dark years of hard work and countless hours of
intense training, learning to walk with artificial limbs that left me
exhausted, with bruises, wounds, and swollen thighs. I felt grateful for the
disappointment and hopelessness because that’s the reason I began making radical
changes in the way I approached my goal, and begin seeking help at the
international level. And so, my dream came true and now I was in a country
where I could live a full life.
After realizing that difficulties and pain were for my
benefit, I began to pay close attention to what was happening behind the events
and circumstances, and where they ultimately led me. Instead of focusing on how
painful and difficult it was, I began to observe what was behind these
difficulties. And, again and again I saw that the events that occurred, people
I’ve met, and various experiences that took place played a key role in my life,
and, to my surprise, all of this really somehow worked together for good. More
interestingly, particularly those events that seemed destructive or times that
seemed like endless valleys of difficulties, led me to my ultimate dream. Even my
mistakes had a precious value in my life.
Even though it was very difficult to go through some periods
of life, they left a very valuable imprint on my life. Through difficulties and
circumstances that seemed absolutely hopeless, the Lord taught me to trust Him.
When it seemed to me that I was at a dead end and that there was no way out,
the Lord showed me that absolutely everything is under His authority – He has
people’s hearts and creates new opportunities, even if it seems impossible.
Although it was very difficult to experience hopelessness, today I am sincerely
grateful for it because it showed me how the Lord is always there with you in
the midst of it and He creates a way out; He is never late and provides help.
Difficulties and hopelessness taught me to fully trust God.
Now I see problems as another opportunity to see how great
the Lord is, the opportunity to experience another testimony. And the harder
the problem is, the bigger and more interesting the testimony will be!
I want to make a note on very important detail – God is
faithful, and He will do what He says, but we also have a great responsibility
for what happens in our lives. God has His good, acceptable and perfect will
for our lives (Romans 12: 2), but the Lord has given us the freedom of choice,
and very much depends on our choices.
Since this is a big topic, I will post about it next week.
And, for now, if you are experiencing struggle and nothing changes no matter
how much you pray about your difficulties, be encouraged and hold on to your
hope through faith. You do not know what God is doing in your life, and where
He is leading you. Certain events have a significant impact on our lives, and
yes, it’s scary when bad things happen. Events and circumstances have the power
to shape our destiny, and this can cause concern and anxiety when they do not
develop in the way we expected. We feel and see only what we experience at the
moment. This is where your faith must step in – walk by faith, and not by what
is actually happening at the moment.
2 Corinthians 5:7 NKJV: For we walk by faith, not by sight.
Trust your God that He is just and sees everything.
Sometimes God does not change our situation because He changes us. Sometimes
difficulties and certain circumstances direct our path in the certain direction
which is according to His will. Nothing in our lives happen ‘just because’.
There is a reason and a purpose behind everything. It is critically important
for us to be obedient to God, to the way He leads us. Sometimes you have to
completely trust Him, do nothing and wait. And sometimes you have to be strong
and persistent.
Keep going. Be sure to do your best in everything you are
working on, and patiently wait for the answer from the Lord.
So many people who love the Lord face troubles and hardships in
life. Sometimes it’s tempting to say “Lord, how much longer can I bear this,
why is this happening in my life?”
After the tragedy in my life, I was in constant emotional anguish
and physical pain. And over the years since then, challenges and trials one
after another were coming my way. At times it felt as though difficulties and
struggle became my daily bread. Sometimes I could hardly endure it. At the
time, I just knew I had to be strong and overcome. And so gaining endurance
from trusting the Lord, I made every effort to be steadfast and worked hard to
change and improve my circumstances. It wasn’t easy at all to go through the
trials. But there came a time when I started seeking for the value in a bad
situation. And what a surprise and astonishment it was to see how beneficial
those hardships were! Today, I am grateful to them for so many things.
It’s because of problems and continuous difficulties that I became
stronger, resilient, and persistent. The car accident and following
insurmountable obstacles, pain and ongoing challenges tested me and formed me
into a different person than I used to be. Hardships taught me how not to give up
when I felt couldn’t take it anymore. Severe pain developed both endurance and
compassion within me. Obstacles taught me how relentless effort can break
through any kind of barrier. Challenges taught me how to push myself and go
beyond what I thought I could do. Devastating destruction, betrayal, and
heartbrokenness taught me how to be unstoppable.
One of the highest values that I’ve gained through the devastation
and hopelessness is that through them I have learned to have unshakable faith
and trust the Lord at all times, and I have experienced the most incredible
testimonies of answered prayers. It’s because of my experiential knowledge my
faith became stronger than ever before and I have learned very valuable lessons
that I could not have learned otherwise.
Understanding how much value I received from the times of trials totally transformed my attitude toward them and radically changed my experience going through difficulties later on. Since then, it became much easier for me to handle challenges.
Our human nature tries to avoid trials and tribulations, but in the Word of God, we find that they are actually for our own good. As seen in verses below, trials form us into persons who we need to become.
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.( 1 Peter 1: 6-7)
…Rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.( Romans 5:2b-4)
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. (James 1:2-4)
Problems, hardships, and circumstances that seemed to be the exact
opposite of what I had asked in my prayer served an important and valuable
purpose in my life. I only made it harder for myself by allowing my concerns
and frustrations to disturb my peace. I want to pass on to you the lesson that
I had to learn the hard way – do not fear, but remain in peace fully trusting
that the Lord has everything under control. Furthermore, in His Word, it’s
written that all things work together for good in the lives of those who are
chosen and who love Him. Whatever situation you are going through right now –it
will work for the good, too. It might be difficult for you to agree with it
right now, but you will see/understand it when the time comes.
God is bringing you through the tough pressure and heat for a
reason. God is shaping a diamond out of you. Did you know that a diamond is
nothing more than a piece of coal which was under highly intense work? No
matter how strange it may sound, but both coal and diamond are one and the
same. Coal and diamond look completely different, but they both are exactly the
same chemical element (carbon atom), it’s just they are in a different form.
Changing the crystal structure with high pressure and high temperature, coal
becomes a diamond. No matter how unbelievable it might look, a diamond is
really a black stone, which has gone through the intense process of high
pressure and high temperature before it became a beautiful jewel. And it takes
a long time for it to become so beautiful.
You might be going through a very tough time right now. But know that this is how God is teaching you and is working with you to develop necessary character traits within you. It is difficult for you now, but there will come a day when you will become as beautiful as these diamonds are and you will shine for His glory.
Meanwhile, the key is to have a close relationship with Him and allow Him to do the work with you. Instead of dwelling on how hard and painful it is, look at your situation through a different perspective – ask yourself “What is really going on behind this event? What am I supposed to learn from this experience? What good can I see in all of this?”
The Lord will do His part and He is faithful, but there is also a
lot of responsibility on our part. The end result will depend on our choices.
We have a choice to murmur, complain and be a victim, but we know that the end
of this path may lead you to even greater sorrow. Stories in the Bible are
there as lessons to us to not repeat the mistake of Israelites. Another choice
is to be steadfast and patiently go through this time. Instead of fear and
doubt choose to trust the Lord. Equipped by unshakable faith, step out of your
comfort zone with courage and determination. Persevere to continuously improve
your situation and never give up.
And when you feel you have no strength to withstand the adversities you’re facing, ask the Lord to strengthen you. Remember, that only through high temperature and high-pressure coal transforms into a beautiful diamond. And with God, you are strong enough to go through it all.
Oh, bless our God, you peoples!
And make the voice of His praise to be heard, Who keeps our soul among the living,
And does not allow our feet to be moved.
For You, O God, have tested us; You have refined us as silver is refined.
You brought us into the net; You laid affliction on our backs.
You have caused men to ride over our heads;
We went through fire and through water;
But You brought us out to rich fulfillment. (Psalm 66:8-12)
Depending on where you are – Good evening or good morning to you,
I wanted to let you know that this Wednesday, December 16th at 9:30 am -11 am PST I will be having an interview on the Radio with Steven Campbell. For Sonoma County (California) residents, It’s on KOWS 107.3 FM, or you can listen online http://kows107-3.org/listen/
After hearing my story, Steven invited me to be on his show. The topic is “Making your Mind Magnificent”. I will be talking about the Self-Management aspect of how managing my mind empowered me to overcome obstacles after losing my both legs and the use of one arm. I will also share some practical tools that empowers me on a daily basis to take care of things independently despite my physical challenges. A lot of times people ask me “Inga how do you do it…all by yourself being in such physical condition?” On this program I will answer that question.
In case you will miss it, here is the link to his archived talks, where you will find a recording of it.
Have you ever had the experience when it seemed to you like some invisible hand moved events and circumstances in your favor like in a chess game? Throughout the years I have experienced this numerous times. It astonished me every single time. This time though, I ended my day being simply astounded. To be honest, when I was thinking about this incredible experience, I had a feeling that this happened for me to share with others, so they’d know that their Heavenly Father has it all under control and He takes care of them. Somehow, when I opened my email to send this testimony, I knew by name who I needed to send this to. After sending it to them, many responded to me thanking me for sharing, saying “Perfect timing! This is exactly what I needed to hear!” It’s been several days I have on my heart to share this with you as well. Maybe you are going through the time when you need to hear exactly This.
Just recently, in San Francisco Bay Area we had this harsh rain storm. Rainy storms here in Northern California are very much different than what I had ever experienced when I was living in Europe – they are much stronger. I still went to work, because I had scheduled a meeting that day, which I did not want to cancel. After hearing Weather news in the morning about the storm getting much stronger that afternoon, I decided to leave the office earlier to get home safe before it gets worse. I move around using electric wheelchair AKA my Beemer (BMW:) (I am the fastest pedestrian in the city 🙂 ), and it’s not good for the chair to get wet for the battery and a joystick that controls the chair. Besides, it’s quite dangerous for me to be out in the strong wind when with my one hand I have to hold the joystick that controls the chair and hold my umbrella at the same time. Since my left hand is paralyzed, often I need to be creative to be able to do things. In this case, I figured out a way to be out in the rain without getting soaking wet, but during the storm the smartest choice for me is to stay home. And so here I am speeding home as fast as I can, the rain starts pouring hard, the wind gets rapidly stronger, and as I am just 5 min away from home…suddenly my wheelchair STOPS DEAD. I look at the joystick…it’s flashing. The wheelchair is dead. I am sitting outside, the rain is pouring down so strong that you can see bubbles on the street, and it’s windy cold. I am trying to call my technician – he does not answer the phone and his voice box is full. I am trying to call another number – no answer as well.
“OK. Now what?”
My first thought – Thank God the wheelchair stopped right next to Trader Joe’s entrance doors (!!) and its roof was above me! So I was protected from getting immediately soaking wet. Then, I am sitting there, thinking “God… what am I going to do now..?! Who’s going to come out to help me in this rain..? What should I do?” My wheelchair never stopped like this while I am outside. A series of thoughts came through my mind in a flash – how can I get out of this situation, wonder why Lord allowed this to happen…this is too strange, who can possibly help me, what is the best way to get home and so on.
After a moment, I look at the entrance doors to see who I could ask for help, and suddenly I see staff’s head popping out and I hear:
“Inga! Hi! I read the article about you, great story!!”
I could not believe this – that was the store’s staff, whom I see all the time when I shop at Trader Joe’s.
“Bob!!! Wow, it’s you! Can you help me??”, caught by another, but this time a pleasant surprise, I asked him for help.
He immediately came out and after explaining to him what happened, I asked him if he could wheel me to help me get home, which was only 5 min away.
“Sure! No problem Inga!” , Bob enthusiastically responded.
Other staff came out as well, loaned him the rain jacket, we released the power to make my Beemer as a manual chair, and Bob wheeled me home. On the way home, I find out that he was on his day off and he just happened to be at the store and by accident saw me. He reassured me that he was happy to help, and didn’t mind this weather – he was a fisherman and this kind of weather was not a problem for him at all, since he has seen much worse in the ocean.
🙂
As I was on my way, my technician calls me back, and after hearing that my wheelchair just shut down dead in the middle of the storm, says “I will be right there Inga”. My technician came to my place right when I myself got there (normally it is nearly impossible to have a wheelchair tech man come right away) to take a look at the chair what have happened. Apparently, the problem was with the joystick – it got too wet. It happened (!!) he had an extra one in his car and after he changed it, my Beemer was up and running like before. Also, he told me that I caught him at the perfect time – he happened to be in my area (!!) and so that’s the reason he was able to come so fast. Actually, he was just about to leave up North to see his client right before I called, and if I had called later, he would not have been able to come out and help.
So, after having my wheelchair breaking down in the middle of the storm, very quickly I was back home safe and my Beemer was fixed right away. And yes, my cat Musette was also happy to have her Momma back home and giving her treats earlier than she usually gets them. 🙂
Now, tell me how could this be…. my electric wheelchair stops damaged right in front of Trader Joe’s entrance (what would it be like if it stopped on a busy street that I just crossed a minute ago..?!), the staff who knows me quite well happens to be there on his day off and he by accident saw me right that moment when I was looking who I could ask to help me, technician was in my area right before he drove away to another county and he came to me right away to check the wheelchair AND he had an extra the same kind of joystick, which immediately fixed my wheelchair.
..?!?!
God’s Angels are watching over me. 🙂
It’s incredible. Who can take care of us better than our God Father? He has it all in His power. My family is across the globe, but I do feel like I am taken care of; I have my heavenly Father who is wherever I am and who protects me, cares for me and blesses me abundantly. I have experienced literally countless testimonies of God’s care for many years now.
Sharing this testimony, I want to encourage you – your life is in the hands of your Heavenly Father. Your circumstances, situations, problems, difficulties, anything that concerns or worries you, your sleepless nights, your every single tear and absolutely EVERYTHING is known to your God Father. He is going to take care of it. Just trust Him.
29 Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. 30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. (Matthew 10:29-31)
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)
If you know someone who needs to read this, would you please pass this along? Sometimes simple thing like this kind of message can make a big difference for another person.
Blessings to you…. And as always, be strong. Be determined and persistent. Be unstoppable.
And always keep in mind that with God all things are possible.
UNSTOPPABLE 