That commitment also attracts all kinds of challenges. The way we view these challenges is the "make or break point" of our success. Unless we are alert to what is really going on, the hardships will convince us we don't have what it takes to reach our desired destination.

So what is going on? When you take action on your desired goal, you are setting in motion a process that is the focus of the Kingdom of God . . . which is the development of your heart. Reaching your destination will require skills and mindsets to be developed in you that you may not have when you began your pursuit.

These challenges and hardships are really gift-wrapped packages sent into your life to urge you to deal with issues in your life, increasing your learning and skills, responding to resistant people instead of reacting to them.   They are the catylsts that develop and release your power, invaluable, God-given greatness.

When hardships are viewed as tutors that come to serve you, growth and learning comes into your life to equip you to achieve your plans.

Success is certain when what we learn from the experience is bigger than the experience itself. How are you viewing your experiences? Are they serving you or are you serving them?

We celebrate the destination but despise the pursuit. I believe the "pursuit" is what God is most excited about . . . the very things that were meant to be stumbling blocks are actually stepping stones . . . because your heart was developed and strengthened in the process.

Take time to celebrate wherever you are in your pursuit. Isn't that what James was teaching us when he said to "count it ALL joy" when hardships come?

EnJOY your new view!

Thanks for praying for us as we expand our reach in new countries (this article is hot off the learning press of our lives!).

Copyright 2004 RLI and Tim Redmond