Word for the day “Don’t be afraid, to try again”
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.
At the beginning of each year, we are excited about a fresh start. We make resolutions in our excitement and desire to improve our lives.
In 2022 I'm making the commitment in my life to not be afraid to “Try again” at fulfilling my life’s purpose.
It’s important but I’ve learned to embrace the difficult times experienced in my life because I know that many of these experiences have cultivated something for me. Yes, I said it what I said, “Life has not happened to me, life has happened for me”.
My life story is mixed with surviving living in the Red Hook projects of Brooklyn N.Y, drugs, divorce, and literally being traumatized in Corporate America. However, these experiences I realize now happened for me, not to me. When it’s all said and done my greatest takeaway for all of it is “I tried again”.
In my relationship with God, it has become crystallized in my mind that life and situations are happening for me and not to me.
I’m writing today to encourage someone who may be in a life-challenging situation. The heart of my story is to never give up on myself. I’ve experienced people giving up on me and thinking I wasn’t worth the investment; some might say I was too difficult to deal with and so many other reasons not to embrace me. I would say all of that was necessary for me and was integral to my personal and professional development and growth.
Here’s what “Trying again” taught me:
Trying again teaches you that your attitude determines your altitude.
Trying again is the fundamental step towards self-discovery. The most successful people are those who know their own value. Knowing and learning your own value always keeps in the fight for your life (Genesis 1:26-28).
Knowing and learning my own value and how God has created me in His image and likeness has been a game changer in my life: I went back and completed my collegiate education. Today I have 32 years of being drug and alcohol-free. I have my own Non-profit servant leadership organization. Trying again for me has opened up so many doors and at the same time closed some other doors. I’m the author of the Book called “The Journey of Self-Care from the Inside Out”. I’m a leadership coach for leaders and aspiring leaders. I know how to be there for my family, friends, and those I serve which is my greatest honor,
Today, I’m compelled to “Try again” and to live a life filled with greatness. I accept that life will have some hard places and situations. But I’ve learned at times how to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. The more comfortable I am with knowing and not being afraid to try again in life using the lessons learned from my various experiences, the more successful I am.
There is so much more to my story but I want you today to think of your story and where you need to try again: in life, school, love, relationships, career, etc.
Right now, I do my best at always being ready to try again. Today's message is to remind you of the greatness that God has invested in you. We’ve survived it all so that we can try again and ultimately thrive in what God has purposed for our lives.
Point to ponder
What do you need to try again?
Somebody is depending on you to what God called you to do?
What will happen if you don’t try again in 2022?
Are you willing to try again in 2022?
What can be accomplished if you try again in 2022?
Special thanks!
James Baker, Jr. and our leadership team are especially thankful for those of you who provided financial donations and support in the month of January 2022, by partnering with us in efforts to advance the kingdom of God in this 21st century season: Special thanks to Ms. Annette Straker, Mr. Kenneth Washington, Ms. Mable Bazemore, Ms. Itholear Abbott, Mrs. Barbara Mason, Ms. Jeanette Grant, Ms. Judith Battle, Ms. Angela Battle, Ms. Rita Mcguffin, Pastor and Mrs. Raymond Phillips, Ms. Cynthia Artis-Waiters, Ms. Michelle Winder Branch, Ms. Angie Scraders-Murphy, Mr. Calvin Jackson, Mrs. Shakeema Lowe, Mr. Calvin Griffith, Mrs. Angela Harrison, Ms. Kersha Brown, Ms. Judy Burke, Mr. William Wilson, Ms. Darlene Simmons, Mr. Daleel Muhammad, Mr. Raymond Jenkins, Ms. Evelyn Rosado, Mr. William Buchanan, Mr. Richard Figaro, Mr. John Miller, Ms. Carneal Nembhard, and Ms. Gertrude Scott.
Thank you for using the word cup devotionals brought to you through Grace and Truth Leadership. Why don’t you take the opportunity to write to us on our blog and let us know how we are doing in serving you.
We are a faith-based, donor-supported ministry. If you have been touched by these daily devotionals and would like to make a monthly pledge or a special gift of any amount, please use the DONATE link to give as the Lord leads.
Follow me on Twitter @James Baker_jr as I endeavor to encourage and empower leaders of today and tomorrow!
Kingdom Blessings,