By Phil Coleman and Tom Wilbur

These are interesting times. As Charles Dickens wrote in “A Tale of Two Cities”—

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to heaven, we were all going direct the other way – in short, the period was so far like the present period, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only.”

Written in 1859, there is much here that describes our existence today. Common truths exist for mankind, as they have for ages. Our world is filled with hope and risks, joys and sorrows, moments of greatness and periods of defeat. There are moments of light and darkness—in an age of wisdom where knowledge traverses the globe at the speed of light—coupled with acts of foolishness, aggression, revenge, hatred and loss. Each breath we take might be our final—literally nothing is guaranteed past that point, and yet, we press onward toward a new day.

Amidst the challenges of the day, most people experience hurdles to clear. The challenges are often manifested in the interactions we have with loved ones, with friends, with folks at work, and even with people who come into our lives upon a moment’s notice. In a time where things have been a little topsy-turvy, we’ve each faced certain points of crisis—the death of someone we know, personal illness, difficulties with personal relationships, a sudden loss of employment, or increased financial problems. Sometimes, they are things outside of our control. Like a pressure cooker set on high for way too long, these pressures start to build. After awhile, all of the chips on our shoulders begin to weigh us down. Sometimes the chips become so heavy, we crumble, and we feel a sense of helplessness, hopelessness, and despair. We all need some form of release to allow us to de-compress, and breathe again.

Life can be tough. And it is within these moments, we recognize that no person is an island—and that none of us can do it alone. Along with family, finances, friendships, and fitness, we all need a dose of faith—to help give us strength.

We happen to be Christian. Within that dynamic– our faith, and our relationship with God, are integral to who we are as individuals. Having a relationship with God allows us to have that inner dialogue, and lift up our problems to an all powerful force that can see us through turbulent waters. It allows for that safety valve to do its job—and release the pressure, as God lifts our burdens and provides healing— to all who seek Him.

The roadmap for Christians, as you know, comes from the Bible—and it is within the pages of this book that we gain direction for steadfast truths about how we will conduct our lives. It reminds us how we are to serve others, and help each other, in our short time upon this rotating rock called Earth.

Certain Bible passages are towlines that can keep us tethered— and keep us from crashing upon the rocks— on the journey ahead. Here are a few passages with strong fibers that we can hold onto when:

I’m tired – “I wait on the Lord to renew my strength” (Isaiah 40:31).
I’m lonely – “He will never leave me, nor forsake me” (Hebrews 13:5).
I have financial worries – “My God shall supply all my need” (Philippians 4:19).
I’m depressed – “The Lord my God will enlighten my darkness” (Psalm 18:28).
I’m tempted – “God will not let me be tempted beyond my strength” (I Corinthians 10:13).
I’m feeling guilty – “Renew a right spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10).
I’m tense – “Peace I leave with you” (John 14:27).
Someone has wronged me – “If God be for me, who can be against?” (Romans 8:31).
I have too much to do – “He performs that which is appointed for me” (Job 23:14).

And finally, John 3:16, in which it says, “God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him, shall not perish, but will have eternal life.” And that’s pretty cool.

You may find yourself facing a whole bunch of challenges today, but you are not alone. He is right there, waiting for you to accept Him into your heart. Mankind may cower away, or become cynical in its attitude towards faith, but He will remain in place— caring and unwavering. He can bring comfort and joy to you, if you’ll simply open up, and allow Him into your life.

Christianity is not a private club. It’s not a political party. It’s simply a personal choice, based upon acceptance. And as you mature in your faith, and grow, the development of a strong faith relationship with a higher power will engrain itself to you. Come back to church, and re-introduce yourself to a loving God, who will be there for you always. There’s no admission fee. There are no restrictions. There is only hope, a sense of belonging, and lots of love— just waiting to wrap its arms around you, and give you strength.

We have so much to be thankful for—blessings to you and yours!
Peace, and have a great week.

Tom and Phil

Winning Strategies is a series created by Phil Coleman and Tom Wilbur to provide inspiration and motivation, based upon their personal experiences and fundamental ideas for success. Phil Coleman is the owner of Champion Seminars, in Salina, Kansas. A popular speaker, Phil is an entrepreneur, and has made presentations on successful life strategies to thousands of people over his career with his firm. Tom Wilbur is a regular editorial contributor to newspapers, magazines, and motivational newsletters, and is President/CEO of BANK VI in Salina. Phil and Tom are both long term residents of Salina, and Kansas, and have a common vested interest in helping others. You can contact them at thinkplanwin@hotmail.com