These three Martin Luther King Jr. quotes are a source of light in these trying times.
If anyone understood trying times, it was Martin Luther King, Jr. One of the most influential and effective leaders in history, his words having been recorded throughout the world and are often consulted on matters of justice, freedom, and activism. But today, we are inviting Dr. King’s wisdom to speak to our personal and professional lives.
Read below for three Martin Luther King, Jr. quotes that will inspire you in your career.
“If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.”
Martin Luther King, Jr.
The last several months have been unmatched by anything most of us have seen in our lifetimes. We have all had to make adjustments to reset and move forward. But what does it mean to keep moving forward? Even when you’re not making the kind of progress you want to make?
To move forward in these times means we are working toward a desired outcome. Recall the biblical account of Jesus calming the storm in Mark 4:35-41. Jesus didn’t promise to deliver a comfortable ride, but He delivered the promised result. This is a reminder that you can trust His word, no matter the circumstances. That is how we move forward in the face of challenges.
Too often we want to know that which we cannot know: the future. But not knowing our future while having faith in He who holds our future is how God calls us to live our lives. As we are faced with the obstacles and the opportunities of life, we pray, asking God for direction. According to His plan and our purpose, God will impress upon us our next step.
“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Dr. King reminds us that, although we want to know what lies ahead of us, we rarely see that far ahead. Yet, faith is the entrance that shows worry and doubt the exit. Philippians 1:6 declares that God did not bring you this far to leave you. We must be willing to take the “next step” without seeing the whole staircase. But oftentimes, we ask ourselves, If I make this move, what will happen? If I take this risk, will I be successful? What will happen if I stay? What will happen if I go?
Again and again, we allow the “not knowing” to keep us stuck, worried, and confused. But in Luke 12:22, Jesus advises us not to worry. Then in Luke 12:25, we learn of the futility of our worries. Finally, Luke 12:30-31 reminds us why we never have to worry. Not only does God know our needs, He is also the One who is able and willing to supply those needs.
These words from Jesus are a simple but direct reminder of His role, as well as ours. Armed with this knowledge, I suggest that we redirect the narrative and ask ourselves the one and only question that matters at decision time: are we willing to follow Him one step at a time? Trusting Him with our personal, as well as our professional lives? Trusting him for all there is now and all there is to come?
“We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Life will have disappointments, but they are finite, temporary. The God of hope offers His children infinite hope. Therefore, we must be careful not to have a skewed perspective when things do not go according to our plans. We must alleviate negative self-talk, turning away from conversations with naysayers. We must guard our mental health and not allow ourselves to slip into a space we are not intended to occupy – a place of hopelessness.
There are times in life when we find that despite our best efforts, things are not where we want them to be. Life has shown up with a new game plan. Dwelling on the disappointments in life only serves as a distraction to where you are going and the progress you are capable of making. Because He is good, the God of hope gives His children a new vision of hope.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 15:13
Author: Cyndi Stewart
Cyndi Stewart is a Life Coach, and a skilled professional development strategist. She is certified in coaching, as well as training and development. As founder and principle of Coaching for Genuine Solutions, she works with corporations, non-profit organizations, as well as individual clients. Cyndi’s commitment and experience have afforded her opportunities to work strategically with leaders at all levels, in addition to serving on several non-profit boards. To learn more about Cyndi and to connect, please visit cyndistewart.com.