Stay positive 
Don’t let life get you down. Stay joyful. Stay hopeful. 
Week 5: I am Enthusiastic!

In this week, we will learn how to be enthusiastic. 

Enthusiasm - intense and eager enjoyment, interest, or approval.

There are 2 Types of People:
	Those who let circumstances influence their enthusiasm. People who are affected by others or their environment.
	Those who use their enthusiasm to influence their circumstances. People who are positively affecting others.

While I was listening to our preacher, I suddenly remember what happened at work recently.

I am a support agent and I got a very difficult customer to assist. After I assisted her with her request, she basically told me that working at [my company] is useless and telling me that I should go work elsewhere where I can earn more money since she’s assuming that I am not happy with my pay. With a smile, I then replied saying, my salary is enough and added that I’m not placing my joy on money. She then thanked me for my help and we ended the chat.

I honestly thought that I will be in trouble because we are not actually allowed to engage on those types of conversation. A few days later, my supervisor contacted me and commended me for what I did. 

As a Christian, whether you’re at school or at work, it’s not WHAT you do that makes it meaningful, it’s WHO you do it for. 

1 Corinthians 15:57-58 says “57 But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.” 

Enough of the personal story time. Going back to the topic, one of the greatest examples of enthusiasm is when David faced Goliath. When Goliath was asking for his competition, here’s what’s David’s reply:

45 David replied to the Philistine, “You come to me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies—the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 Today the Lord will conquer you, and I will kill you and cut off your head. And then I will give the dead bodies of your men to the birds and wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel! - 1 Samuel 17:45-46

Where did David’s Enthusiasm come from?
	He trusted God daily.
	He walked with God daily.
	He worshipped God daily.

When David was young, he was eager to follow God. But when he became older, after all of the victories in life that he achieved, he started to lack interest. 

2 Seasons in David’s Life:
	With enthusiasm, David ran into the battle to serve his God. 

48 As Goliath moved closer to attack, David quickly ran out to meet him. 49 Reaching into his shepherd’s bag and taking out a stone, he hurled it with his sling and hit the Philistine in the forehead. The stone sank in, and Goliath stumbled and fell face down on the ground.  - 1 Samuel 17:48-49

	With apathy, David walked on the roof to serve his comfort. 

11 In the spring of the year, [a] when kings normally go out to war, David sent Joab and the Israelite army to fight the Ammonites. They destroyed the Ammonite army and laid siege to the city of Rabbah. However, David stayed behind in Jerusalem. 2 Late one afternoon, after his midday rest, David got out of bed and was walking on the roof of the palace. As he looked out over the city, he noticed a woman of unusual beauty taking a bath. - 2 Samuel 11:1-2

Maybe after reading this post, you may catch yourself distant with the Lord. Always remember that reading this is not an accident. It’s possible that this is God’s way for you to go back to Him. To love and serve Him the way you’ve loved and served him the first time you knew about Him. 

10 Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me… 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you. - Psalm 51:10, 12

Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. - Colossians 3:23

Enthusiasm isn’t a product of our environment but a posture of our hearts. How would you describe the posture of your heart? 

Today is the best day to be positive, to be grateful, to be encouraging, to be enthusiastic despite of all the bad news. Feed your faith. Get your passion back!