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FIGHT FORWARD

Have you ever been in a fight and felt like giving up? I’m not talking about a literal fight, but a fight for your peace of mind, or an inner struggle that challenged you? 

The saying, “You don’t get what you want, you get what you fight for” was all I could think of as I made the decision to flip over on my back and start swimming toward my goal. I was halfway through my first half Ironman swim, and I was determined to not make the mistake of stopping and treading water when I got tired. No matter what happened, I would fight forward!

It’s amazing the things we can accomplish when we are properly motivated. For me, my motivation was a shirt—the Ironman shirt that I would wear only if I completed the event. When I needed motivation to keep going, I just had to think about that shirt, unwearable forbidden fruit, unless I finished! I would get a surge of adrenaline every time I remembered what I was fighting for. By making the choice to fight forward, continually moving in the direction of my goal, I was able to wear my shirt with a big smile that evening as I celebrated at dinner with my husband and friends.

Learning how to fight forward is crucial if we are to be successful in this world. We are all faced with challenges, battles, problems, and situations that try to keep us from our dreams. Maybe you are prone to paralysis by analysis by overthinking, which causes you to do nothing but think. Or you may be waiting on God, standing still as you cry to Him for direction so you can make your next move. Either way, you’re not going in the direction you want because you’re not moving!

God is the one who leads us and guides us, but He requires us to start walking in faith so He can easily direct us. As you make decisions and act, the path you are on gets brighter and brighter. It won’t be easy, in fact, you can be assured you’re on the right road if it feels like you’re climbing a mountain. If you’re coasting, you are going downhill, and that does not build the strength and endurance you need to be successful. 

Trust the dream that God has given you, find your motivation, and fight forward!

PAUSE and REFLECT

• What motivates you?

• Ask God what His dream is for your life is and then start moving in that direction, one step at a time.