Today, I want to share another story to illustrate the power of perspective and how our thoughts have the potential to change our lives and make them much more impactful!

In Spain, there’s a man named Justo Gallego Martinez, who is currently 93 years old. Justo was a Trappist monk during the Spanish Civil War, a time in which he saw many of his friends murdered; his own life was also in grave danger during the conflict. Even worse, after the war, he contracted tuberculosis, which meant that he had to leave the monastery and could no longer be a monk. Talk about feeling disheartened! However, refusing to lose hope, he said in his mind, “Lord, if you heal me of this disease, I’ll build a cathedral for you.” Low and behold, he got better — the problem was, he had no money and no resources with which to carry out his vow to God. This didn’t stop him, though, and he moved forward as he sought donations of any kind to construct his masterpiece.

Today, the building, which he has been working on since 1961, stands in the town of Madrid, Spain and it’s made entirely of donated and recycled materials. The pillars on the outside are constructed of repurposed oil barrels, and many of the bricks were given by nearby construction workers who dropped off their scraps to him knowing of his project. For over 50 years now, day after day (every day except Sunday), Justo has worked for 10 hours building the cathedral. Talk about dedication!

Friend, I call your attention to this man as an example of somebody who went through great difficulty in his life, yet instead of wallowing in pity, used his trying circumstances to overcome and do something impressive for the glory to God. He is living proof that thoughts and attitudes amidst pain and loss make all the difference. You see, I believe firmly that Jesus will change your circumstances, but that will happen after He teaches you that new life is preceded by new thoughts. A transformed reality is the fruit of a transformed mind, which is something that Jesus died to give you!