Keep the faith!

Have you ever heard about how hunters used to trap monkeys? The hunters would fill a large barrel with bananas and then cut a small hole in the side of it just barely big enough for the monkey to get his hand and arm through. The monkey, completely unaware of the trap, would reach his arm into the barrel and grab one of those bananas. But when he would try to pull his arm out, he wouldn’t be able to get his clenched fist and the banana through the hole. The monkey would hold that banana so tightly and not dare release it. Consequently, the hunters would easily capture the monkey. What’s interesting is that at any point prior to the capture, the monkey could have easily let go of the banana and pulled his hand out of the barrel. But that monkey was so focused on what he wanted that he didn’t even realize he was in a trap!

Many people live like that today—with both hands clenched, so focused on trying to hold on to what they have that they don’t realize it’s robbing them of the freedom and victory God has in store. Don’t let that be you! Choose to release anything that’s keeping you from God’s best because nothing in this world is worth holding on to so tightly. Don’t get trapped because you aren’t willing to change or reposition yourself or your thinking. Remember, God always has your best in mind. His plans are for your good, and when you follow His plans, you can move forward in peace, strength, joy, faith and victory.

What’s the best way to avoid the traps? Stay close to Father God. Be willing to let go of anything that He whispers to your heart. It can be letting go of wrong mindsets or attitudes. It can be letting go of questions about something that didn’t work out, or letting go of an old relationship. It could even be letting go of a dream that you’ve had so God can give you something better. Don’t let anything keep you from God’s best. You may not always understand, but that’s when you have to trust God’s goodness.

Remember, God always leads us one step at a time in our journey of life. Be open to what He has for you and let Him reposition you. You already have everything you need to be successful in your future, so why hold on to the past? Today set yourself up for freedom and victory by being open-handed, open-minded, and open-hearted to what God has for you!

“Whoever tries to keep their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life will preserve it.” (Luke 17:33, NIV)

(c) Victoria Osteen