“Why stay here until we die?” (2 Kings 7:3, NIV)
Life is a journey with crossroads that require making choices. Choices that shape trajectory. Some choices propel you forward, igniting progress and growth. Others can lead to stagnation, keeping you trapped in the status quo. Staying where you results in missed opportunities and not using your potential.
The Choice
In 2 Kings 7:3-20, four men are afflicted with leprosy. They must make a choice. The choice of moving forward or giving up. The men chose to move forward. A decision that leads to finding resources to thrive.
Inaction
Not taking is a decision. Decision for inaction. Inaction is complacency, giving up, not believing and being hopeless. Turning your back on what can be. Giving up on what can be achieved. Staying where you are will result in not realizing the desired outcomes.
Realizing greatness
The four men with leprosy chose to move forward. By moving forward, they achieve greater. Greater in receiving an abundance. An abundance not healing the leprosy but saves the men from dying of starvation. Receiving provisions to share with the people of Samaria.
Affliction
Their affliction remained to keep them humble and focused on their purpose. Afflictions fuels strength overpowering weakness. Facing afflictions uncovers depths of courage and resilience untapped within you. It’s through overcoming life’s greatest challenges that you cultivate the inner fortitude to weather any storm.
Shift the perspective
Change the view of afflictions as burdens to being catalysts for growth and resilience. Resilience doesn’t stem from weakness; rather, it emerges from endurance. Forged in the fires of afflictions. Afflictions teach invaluable lessons about perseverance, gratitude, and the power of the human spirit. Reminder of inner strength and resilience. Empowering to rise above life’s challenges becoming better.
Author and Holocaust survivor Viktor Frankl stated, “What is to give light must endure burning.” Burning like a diamond. Diamonds are formed under intense pressure. You are shaped and strengthened by the adversities that you face.
Use adversity to move forward. Do not stay where you are. You must move. Make the decisions to achieve the outcomes that result in thriving not surviving.
