The Strength For Change Comes From Within (When We Obey God)
Maximum Life: Unlocking Your Full Potential in 2025
Excerpted from Maximum Life: Unlocking Your Full Potential Through Inner Growth, Momentum, And Impact by Iann Schonken at Amazon.com.
We often give away our power, blaming circumstances or other people for our dissatisfaction. But reclaiming self-determination fills us with motivation and agency. The strength for change comes from within when we obey God.
“What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us.” [1] —Ralph Waldo Emerson
When we take responsibility for our lives, we unlock greatness! This newsletter explores accessing your inner fortitude. You possess God-given power to direct your path. Recognizing this sets you free from victimhood and unlocks purposeful living.
The road ahead will challenge you. But don’t wait for fate to intervene. With self-determination, you can create your life’s story on purpose. The power lies within you.
“One who gains strength by overcoming obstacles possesses the only strength which can overcome adversity.” [2] —Albert Schweitzer
Shifting from Passive to Active
When life feels unfair or unsatisfying, it’s tempting to play the victim, blaming people and circumstances. We give away power when we insist we’re controlled by external factors.
Shift instead to an active mentality. Reframe issues as opportunities to learn, set boundaries, or creatively problem-solve.
Yes, hardship and injustice exist. But even then, you control your perspective and responses. Circumstances don’t dictate your inner state. You ultimately determine how you show up.
“You have power over your mind, not outside events. Realize this and you will find strength.” [3] —Marcus Aurelius
Your power comes from staying grounded in truth—that you are beloved and capable with God’s help. When you take responsibility for your choices instead of assigning blame, you cease to perceive life as something that happens to you. You become the author of your story. Write courageously!
Inner strength is essential for personal growth and success. It enables us to remain steadfast in the face of adversity and to pursue our goals with determination and resilience. Inner strength is the foundation upon which we build our lives.
Biblical Perspective on Inner Strength
The Bible teaches that true strength comes from God and that He provides us with the inner strength we need to face life’s challenges. Philippians 4:13 NIV states:
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” [4]
This verse reminds us that we are not alone and that God’s strength is available to us at all times.
Developing Inner Strength
Developing inner strength involves nurturing your mind, body, and spirit. Here are some practical steps to help you build inner strength:
Cultivate a Positive Mindset: A positive mindset is crucial for developing inner strength. Focus on your strengths, practice gratitude, and maintain an optimistic outlook. Norman Vincent Peale said, “Change your thoughts and you change your world.” [5]
Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself and recognize that everyone faces challenges and setbacks. Self-compassion allows you to treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you would offer a friend.
Set Realistic Goals: Setting and achieving realistic goals can boost your confidence and inner strength. Break your goals down into manageable steps and celebrate your progress along the way. As Henry David Thoreau noted, “What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals.” [6]
Build Resilience: Resilience is the ability to bounce back from setbacks and keep moving forward. Develop resilience by embracing challenges as opportunities for growth and learning from your experiences.
Nurture Your Spiritual Life: For many, spiritual practices such as prayer, meditation, and reading scripture provide a source of inner strength. Psalm 46:1 NIV reminds us, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”
Inner strength enables us to face and overcome challenges. When we draw on our inner strength, we can navigate difficult situations with grace and resilience.
Practical Steps to Get Started
Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness involves being present and aware of your thoughts, feelings, and actions. It helps you make conscious choices and respond to situations with clarity and insight.
Seek Support: Surround yourself with supportive people who encourage and believe in you. Their support can provide the reassurance and strength you need to face your challenges.
Stay Flexible: Life is unpredictable, and flexibility can help you adapt to changing circumstances without losing sight of your overall vision. Stay open to adjusting your plans as needed.
Embrace Lifelong Learning: Commit to lifelong learning by seeking out new knowledge and skills. Take courses, attend workshops, and engage in activities that promote personal and professional development.
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Taking care of your physical health through regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate rest can enhance your inner strength and overall well-being.
Conclusion
Inner strength is the foundation of a resilient and fulfilling life. By cultivating a positive mindset, practicing self-compassion, setting realistic goals, building resilience, and nurturing your spiritual life, you can develop the inner strength needed to face life’s challenges with confidence and grace.
Remember, true strength comes from within, and with God’s help, you can overcome any obstacle. Isaiah 41:10 encourages us:
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Embrace the journey of developing inner strength and let it guide you to a life of purpose and fulfillment.
1. Ralph Waldo Emerson, The Essential Writings of Ralph Waldo Emerson, ed. Brooks Atkinson (New York: Modern Library, 2000).
2. Albert Schweitzer, Out of My Life and Thought, trans. Antje Bultmann Lemke (Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, 2009).
3. Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, trans. Gregory Hays (New York: Modern Library, 2002).
4. Philippians 4:13 (NIV), “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
5. Norman Vincent Peale, “Change your thoughts and you change your world.” Accessed July 10, 2024. https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/norman_vincent_peale_130593
6. Henry David Thoreau, “What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals.” Accessed July 10, 2024. https://br.pinterest.com/pin/henry-david-thoreau-quote-what-you-get-by-achieving-your-goals-is-not-as-important-as-what-you-b--903675481452956901/
Love these writings so good!