I've Been Cheated!

How are you today?

Is life good for you right now?

It's human nature to compare ourselves to others, and to start feeling cheated. This feeling of being cheated can often cloud our perspective on life.

In order for you to have a better outlook on life, let's just get this out of the way right now.

Life's not fair! Instead of allowing the hard and hurtful times to bring you down, use them to make you stronger. Take a look at the list below, and claim the statements that apply to you.

Here are some common ways people feel cheated in life:

• Cheated out of a happy childhood.

• Cheated out of a loving relationship.

• Cheated out of the wonder of motherhood.

• Cheated out of the corner office.

• Cheated out of good health.

• Cheated out of financial security.

• Cheated out of ______________________.

Ellen Miller in "Inspiration for Girlfriends", writes this: Sometimes we were cheated by people who intended us harm, but more often we were cheated by people who were oblivious to the destruction they caused. People who weren't taught any better. People who were previously cheated by others and knew no other way to act. People who were just plain stupid. The list goes on. We blame the people who hurt us. We blame the people who didn't come to our aid. And sometimes we blame God.

There is not a man, woman, or child walking on the face of the earth who has not been or who will not be betrayed. The question is, have you let your anger and disappointment fester into bitterness? Will you let the past or present define your future?

Feeling cheated results in anger, and over time, anger turns into bitterness. Bitterness is a poison that slowly eats a hole in your soul. Forgiveness works as your antacid.

Life isn't fair. So instead of allowing the hard times, and the hurtful times to bring you down, use them to make you stronger.

Remember how you feel when you're cheated, and do your best not to do the same things to others.

Choose to take the high road, even when others don't.

When you've been wronged, forgive!

Forgiveness is a choice, but it is not an option. You need to forgive those who cheat you for your sake, as well as theirs. When you hold on to the bitterness and anger, it eats away at your ability to experience joy, happiness, and peace. Don't let anyone have permission to do this to you.

When I feel cheated, I pray. I pray about my attitude towards the other person. I pray for the other person. I ask God to help me see them through His eyes and not my own. I pray for strength to forgive, and to love them in spite of the way they have treated me.

There have been times in my life when I have prayed this prayer for days and months before I regained the right attitude. I'm here to tell you, it was worth the time spent in prayer. Forgiveness finally came.

We all make mistakes, and there will come a time when you will hurt someone. You may even be oblivious to the circumstance that caused their pain. Instead of having them harbor anger and bitterness against you, I'm guessing you would want them to forgive you. Why not do the same for others?

Thought for the day - God will never lead you where his strength cannot keep you.

Have A Great Day!

If you find this to be helpful, please share it with others.

Thank you!