Finding Victory Through Power, Love, and a Sound Mind

As a college professor, I thoroughly enjoy teaching and mentoring adult students. In my first virtual session of the semester, several students shared that starting a new path or returning to school after a long break felt intimidating and overwhelming.

I get it. Academics, writing styles and technology, to name a few, have all changed significantly. One student even mentioned having trouble with the classroom app and needed help from his niece to download the syllabus. Getting back into the rhythm of school after a long time certainly requires adjustment and comes with uncertainty.

Facing Uncertainty

One student questioned whether attending was the right choice for them, while another was chasing a different call on their lives, shifting them in a new direction. Several participants raised concerns about maintaining a work-life balance while studying, juggling full-time jobs, managing businesses, and fulfilling family obligations. Many felt uncertain about how to fit everything into their busy schedules. Lastly, one student shared that he was a second language learner and felt apprehensive about the experience. Then one student said, “I am nervous but eager to embrace the challenges ahead.” I thought to myself how rare it is to find someone who looks forward to the challenges they may encounter and face them head on. It was truly refreshing.

The Power of Perspective

If we could all embrace challenges like this student and view them as opportunities, we would approach much of life differently. It all comes down to perspective. One way to face and overcome uncertainty and worries is to remember that God does not give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). These three attributes help us face any challenge. Recognizing that a challenge is by nature difficult, we must believe in and focus on the power, love, and sound mind within us. One way to focus on ourselves is by drawing upon these gifts to overcome obstacles to claim victory.

Growth Through Struggle

One cannot achieve victory without struggle. With each challenge we conquer, we gain confidence and assurance in ourselves. It is crucial to remain focused and steadfast. Whether going back to school, pursuing a new venture, tackling a difficult task, or overcoming personal hardships, it is important to harness your power, exercise sound judgment, and act with love. Doing so brings us closer to our goals, leading us to that moment when we can stand in the promised land—for my students, it is holding that degree. In life, it's all about achieving your goals, rising from the ashes, seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, and discovering the treasure at the end of the rainbow. To get to the finish line, we may or may not see the struggles that lie ahead, but we must move forward regardless of the hesitation and fear we may feel. We must find the courage to overcome.

The Role of Courage

Overcoming obstacles also requires courage. During a discussion, a student shared a story about how fear had prevented them from moving forward in a new direction, still wanting to hold on to certainty, afraid to leave their comfort zone. Insecure in their own abilities, paralyzed by the fear of failure, and caring about the opinions of others halted their growth. Unable to rest unless moving forward in their divine calling, they finally chose to trust God, believe in their abilities, confront those fears, and treat every obstacle as an opportunity for growth. The student is now living their dream.

The truth is that fear never truly disappears. My high school drama teacher once remarked that a little fear can be a good thing as it removes pride and overconfidence, encouraging us to proceed with caution and strive for our best. Many successful people say that courage is acting in the face of fear. As novelist Erica Jong once said, “Always do the things you fear the most. Courage is an acquired taste, like caviar.” By operating with power, love, and a sound mind, you can overcome the fear that is paralyzing you.

Transformation and Growth

Stories like these remind me that growth often stems from discomfort. Facing life’s hurdles while remembering the power within can turn obstacles into steppingstones. In the classroom and in life, transformations take place: minds are challenged, and souls are enriched. In life, it is the moments of overcoming that shape who we are. Everyone faces unique battles, but by embracing challenges with power, love, and a sound mind, we unlock new potential within ourselves. The road may be rough, the going may be tough, and the hills may be hard to climb, but perseverance and faith lead us to victory.

The Privilege of Witnessing Growth

There is an incredible privilege in watching people overcome obstacles. It gives others hope. As a professor, it is an amazing feeling to observe students who dedicate themselves to personal growth by attending school and embracing challenges. It is, indeed, a blessing.

If you are thinking about going back to school, your time is now. But, if you are walking in fear, afraid of what lies ahead, it is time to step out of the shadows and act with courage. It is time to put your gifts into practice and act with power, love, and a sound mind. It’s time to Focus On You, Okay!