Smith Wigglesworth, a prominent figure in 20th-century Pentecostalism, left behind a rich legacy of faith, healing, and unwavering belief. One of his most enduring quotes, often paraphrased but carrying potent meaning, speaks to the transformative power of persistence: "Faith is not a feeling; it's a decision." While the exact wording may vary, the core message resonates deeply with those seeking spiritual growth and achieving their goals. This quote transcends religious boundaries, offering valuable insight into personal development and the pursuit of dreams. This exploration delves into the meaning and application of Wigglesworth's profound statement, examining its impact and providing practical strategies for cultivating persistent faith in your life.
What Did Smith Wigglesworth Mean by "Faith is Not a Feeling; It's a Decision"?
Wigglesworth's statement challenges the common misconception that faith is solely an emotional experience. It's easy to associate faith with feelings of assurance, comfort, or euphoria. However, Wigglesworth highlights that genuine faith goes beyond fleeting emotions; it's a conscious choice, a deliberate act of the will. It's about choosing to believe despite circumstances, doubts, or the absence of immediate tangible results. This conscious decision forms the foundation upon which genuine faith is built and nurtured. It's a daily commitment, a steadfast resolve, regardless of how you feel.
How Does This Relate to Achieving Goals?
The principle of "faith as a decision" isn't limited to spiritual pursuits. It's equally applicable to achieving any significant goal. Whether it's starting a business, mastering a skill, or overcoming a personal challenge, persistence is paramount. There will be times of doubt, discouragement, and setbacks. However, just as Wigglesworth emphasizes choosing faith, you must choose to persevere. This decision to continue, despite the difficulties, is the cornerstone of success in any endeavor. It’s about making a commitment to the process, not just focusing on the outcome.
What if My Feelings Don't Align with My Decision to Persevere?
This is a common experience. Feelings are often fickle and unreliable guides. There will be days when doubt creeps in, when fear threatens to paralyze you, or when the weight of the challenge feels overwhelming. Wigglesworth's message is precisely for those moments. It's a call to act despite your feelings. Acknowledge your emotions, but don't allow them to dictate your actions. Your decision to persevere, based on your chosen belief in yourself and your goals, remains steadfast, even when your feelings waver.
How Can I Cultivate This Kind of Persistent Faith/Decision-Based Belief?
Cultivating this kind of resolute persistence requires conscious effort and practice. Here are some strategies:
- Set Clear Goals: Define your goals with specificity and clarity. This gives your “decision” a tangible focus.
- Break Down Large Goals: Overwhelming tasks can easily lead to discouragement. Break them into smaller, more manageable steps.
- Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge and celebrate your progress along the way. This reinforces your commitment and provides motivation.
- Seek Support: Surround yourself with supportive people who encourage and uplift you during challenging times.
- Practice Gratitude: Focus on what you have and appreciate the progress you've made. This shifts your perspective and fosters resilience.
- Visualize Success: Regularly visualize yourself achieving your goals. This strengthens your belief and fuels your determination.
- Learn from Setbacks: View setbacks not as failures, but as opportunities for learning and growth. Adapt and adjust your approach as needed.
Is This Type of Persistence Different from Stubbornness?
While persistence requires unwavering commitment, it's important to differentiate it from stubbornness. Persistence involves adapting and adjusting your approach as you learn and grow. Stubbornness, on the other hand, is rigid adherence to a course of action despite clear evidence that it's not working. True persistence is characterized by flexibility, self-awareness, and a willingness to learn from mistakes.
Smith Wigglesworth's powerful quote serves as a timeless reminder that true faith, and indeed, the achievement of any significant goal, is not dependent on feeling but on a steadfast, unwavering decision. It's a call to action, a challenge to cultivate the inner strength and resilience needed to persevere in the face of adversity. By embracing this principle, we can unlock the transformative power within ourselves and achieve things we never thought possible.
