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will remind us of them frequently, and for that reason we need to be well educated in God’s thoughts toward us and meditate on them often.
    Yes, life is often very difficult, but it is not too difficult for the man or woman of God. We are equipped to endure, be steadfast, patient, long-suffering, and joyful in those times. Although life is sometimes difficult, let’s not think only of those times. Life is also wonderful, amazing, and an exciting journey, so let’s think of the good times more than we think of the bad, because we always overcome evil with good (see Romans 12:21).

Think About It!
    • Life does get difficult at times, but we can learn how to navigate those times successfully without losing our peace and joy.
    •Opposition is actually a benefit to us, because it forces us to choose to either use our faith and stand firm in Christ or give up.
    • When faced with difficulty, choose to think:
I can do what I need to do because God is with me. This winter season in my life will be over and spring will come.
    • If something doesn’t work out, don’t give up and waste months being discouraged or depressed. Just scratch it off your list of possibilities and go on to the next thing.
    • During difficult times, avoid thinking the worst and start thinking the best.

CHAPTER 4
Choose Your Attitude
    In every single thing you do, you are choosing a direction. Your life is a product of choices.
    Dr. Kathleen Hall
    I came across a story about an incredible choice the community of Newtown, Connecticut, made after the tragic shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School rocked their community in December 2012. It all started with a family that made an important choice.
    When Tim and Julie first heard there was a shooting at a local elementary school, they were naturally concerned. Though their two children were safe in other schools, they had friends with children at Sandy Hook.
    As the news broke and the gravity of the situation began to settle in, Tim was reminded of the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: “Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that… I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.”
    With those words fresh in his mind, Tim got on his computer and designed fliers with the words WE ARE SANDY HOOK—WE CHOOSE LOVE .
    The message from this simple flier caught on throughout the community. There were even billboards with those words printed on them. The people of Newtown decided to embrace the message. Rather than bitterness or anger, they chose to embrace love and forgiveness in the face of an unspeakable tragedy. 1
    Because of a choice to love, this terrible tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary was made easier for many of the people. They chose an attitude of love instead of one of hate. I love Dr. King’s statement: “Hate is too great a burden to bear.” How much better the world would be if more people adopted an attitude of love. We have opportunities on a regular basis to hate, but we may also choose to love. This ability to choose is what makes us free. One right choice can bring multiplied blessings and joy to countless numbers of people, and likewise, one wrong choice can bring pain, tragedy, and untold misery.
    The people whose children attended Sandy Hook chose love and restoration, but so many others choose hatred, destruction, and recklessness:
    • Hitler chose his destiny, killing millions and finally, himself. Lee Harvey Oswald chose to kill a president and wound a nation. The 9/11 bombers chose a path that changed the world. A bank robber chooses the date, place, and time and robs himself of integrity and his family, and ultimately pays in time behind bars.
    But even in the midst of great suffering, good choices can be made. Consider that:
    • In World War II, Oskar Schindler saved 1,200 Jews by putting them to work in his factory, spending his entire fortune on bribes and black-market purchases of supplies for his workers to keep them alive until the