Facing the enemies within

“When God plants a
dream in your heart there is invariably a period of patience producing lulls.
Not unlike the months leading up to a physical birth there are seasons of
doubt, discomfort and even denial. We often cannot see the progress we long
for. That is when every temptation hits us to forfeit the finality of our
promise. If you have lost hope…hold on with the help of a strong and gentle
Jesus and surround yourself with healthy and caring friends.” Butch Maltby

I received this beautiful article written by Jim
Rohn as an email from a dear friend this morning and knew I should share it
here. So much has been happening in and around me and people I know that makes this apt now.

We are not born with courage,
but neither are we born with fear. Maybe some of your fears are brought on by
your own experiences, by what someone has told you, by what you’ve read in the
papers. Some fears are valid, like walking alone in a bad part of town at two
o’clock in the morning. But once you learn to avoid that situation, you won’t
need to live in fear of it.

Fears, even the most basic ones,
can totally destroy our ambitions. Fear can destroy fortunes. Fear can destroy
relationships. Fear, if left unchecked, can destroy our lives. Fear is one of
the many enemies lurking inside us.

Let me tell you about five of
the other enemies we face from within. The
first enemy that you’ve got to destroy before it destroys you is indifference.
What a tragic disease this is. “Ho-hum, let it slide. I’ll just drift
along.” Here’s one problem with drifting: you can’t drift your way to the
top of the mountain.

The second enemy we face is indecision. Indecision is the thief of opportunity and enterprise.
It will steal your chances for a better future. Take a sword to this enemy.

The third enemy inside is doubt. Sure, there’s room for healthy skepticism. You can’t
believe everything. But you also can’t let doubt take over. Many people doubt
the past, doubt the future, doubt each other, doubt the government, doubt the
possibilities and doubt the opportunities. Worse of all, they doubt themselves.
I’m telling you, doubt will destroy your life and your chances of success. It
will empty both your bank account and your heart. Doubt is an enemy Go after
it. Get rid of it.

The fourth enemy within is worry. We’ve all got to worry some. Just don’t let it conquer
you. Instead, let it alarm you. Worry can be useful. If you step off the curb
in New York City and a taxi is coming, you’ve got to worry. But you can’t let
worry loose like a mad dog that drives you into a small corner. Here’s what
you’ve got to do with your worries: drive them into a small corner. Whatever is
out to get you, you’ve got to get it. Whatever is pushing on you, you’ve got to
push back.

The fifth interior enemy is over-caution. It is the timid approach to life. Timidity is not a
virtue; it’s an illness. If you let it go, it’ll conquer you. Timid people
don’t get promoted. They don’t advance and grow and become powerful in the
marketplace. You’ve got to avoid over-caution.

Do battle with the enemy. Do
battle with your fears. Build your courage to fight what’s holding you back,
what’s keeping you from your goals and dreams. Be courageous in your life and
in your pursuit of the things you want and the person you want to become.