“He that findeth his life shall lose it: and
he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.”—Matthew 10:39 (KJV)
This is the
third article in a series based on themes from the film, Unbroken: Path to Redemption. Please see the first two writings on
how God always guides us here
and turning away from accusing voices here.
Today’s piece will explore the topic of how we can reinvent ourselves after our
original arrangements change.
Many of us are
organized. We know what (and who) we want in our future. Some individuals have
an idea how to make their dreams happen, and they plan a straight route to
success. This ideal situation doesn’t always play out. Victories can be
disrupted by unexpected setbacks:
Social
|
Mental
|
Employment
|
Natural
|
Medical/Dental
|
Legal
|
Roadblocks
aren’t always a bad thing. They often keep us from settling for less. Our
limited vision may show that Plan A is the best road to take. Plan B may actually be the most advantageous path in
the long run. For example, some high achievers expect to own, or to work at, certain
companies for a long time. That doesn’t happen. They’re less stressed, and
making more money, somewhere else now.
Jesus’ Disciples' Former Lives
The Bible
doesn’t specify the professions of every follower of Jesus. We do know at least
four of them were fishermen. Matthew was a tax collector. Luke was a physician.
God had more in mind for these special men. They found a more fulfilling life in serving the Savior.
Modern Cases of Successful Alternate
Strategies
Many famous
inventions are the result of creative thinking. Here are some cases from the Travel Channel documentary series, “Mysteries at the Museum”
- The inventors of bubble wrap (for packaging) were working on 3D wallpaper.
- The creators of Silly String® were trying to make a spray-on polymer cast for wounded Vietnam War soldiers.
- Minor Edward Doheny was looking for gold in the Los Angeles, California, area when he found oil. He became richer than John D. Rockefeller. Many local streets are named after him.
Unbroken: Path to
Redemption (spoiler alert)
This movie
is the true story of World War 2 veteran, Louis Zamperini. The survivor was an
Olympic track-and-field star prior to joining the Army Air Corps (the
forerunner of the Air Force). He tries to continue his athletic career upon
returning to the U.S.
Unfortunately,
the former warrior can't run anymore after he injures his leg. He was weakened by the torture and starvation he'd endured as a prisoner of war
in Japan.
Zamperini
attempts to make money different ways, but nothing lasts. After a long battle with anger, pain, and confusion, the hero is led to a Billy Graham
revival. He eventually becomes a Christian evangelist.
My Conclusion
“We must be willing to get rid of the
life we’ve planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us. The old skin
has to be shed before the new one can come.”—Joseph Campbell (from a
success.com article)
Related Posts
How have you been led to new goals?
