Perspective Changes Everything
We’ve heard the saying “Perception is reality,” and in many ways it’s true. Our perspective is a powerful thing. It impacts how we view success and failure, how we process situations that we face, and how we navigate the relationships in our lives. Our perspective is the lens through which we view life, and it matters what that lens is. It can help or hinder us.
But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. —1 Corinthians 2:9-10 NKJV
The question is, what is influencing our perspective? God’s perspective is far beyond anything we could ever imagine, and He makes it readily available to us through the Spirit. We only have to receive. When we live out God’s perspective, it unlocks so many things in our lives.
Read: Acts 12:1-17
Respond: What was the response of those in the home of Mary when Peter showed up at their door?
In this passage, we see one man (James) is killed for his belief, and one man (Peter) escapes his same fate. One would tend to wonder why God wouldn’t choose to save them both?
God is still good even when He doesn’t do what you think He should.
When we face disappointment and grief, heartache and pain, He’s good. When our marriage is crumbling around us, He’s good. When our children are wondering far from Him, He’s good. When a loved one is told they have only months to live, He’s good.
God is in control of everything, but He allows His creation to exercise free will. Sometimes we have to live with the consequences of our sin, and other times we make all of the right choices but still face hard things. We may face situations that are not good, but He can use anything for our good. When we invite Him into each situation, He works it for our good because that is who He is.
The Lord is good to everyone. He showers compassion on all his creation. —Psalm 145:9
When we settle in our hearts that God is inherently good, it changes our perspective.
Journal: Share a time in your life that was difficult, but God worked it for your good?
Anyone who knows anything about Peter knows he had weaknesses. We may wonder why God would free him instead of James. He had a history of being impatient, lacking faith, and speaking before thinking. Yet time and time again, he is used by God. We can often see in our weaknesses where God is working.
Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. —2 Corinthians 12:9
How encouraging it is to know that we don’t have to be perfect. The very places we think are weaknesses may just be the things that God wants to use to bring glory to Him. But we have to allow the Holy Spirit to speak to us. We can’t hear Him if we aren’t listening for Him. We must condition our hearts to listen for His voice throughout our day.
God is faithful and good. He loves us just the way we are. We don’t have to have all of the answers, because He already has them. All He asks is that we trust that He wants our best and allow Him to work.
Invite the Holy Spirit into each day. Prepare for Him to speak when you least expect. Posture your heart toward Him, and watch Him work all things for your good.
Activation: Begin inviting the Holy Spirit into your day each day by praying the prayer below.
Prayer:
Holy Spirit,
I invite you to interrupt my day.
Amen
But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. —1 Corinthians 2:9-10 NKJV
The question is, what is influencing our perspective? God’s perspective is far beyond anything we could ever imagine, and He makes it readily available to us through the Spirit. We only have to receive. When we live out God’s perspective, it unlocks so many things in our lives.
Read: Acts 12:1-17
Respond: What was the response of those in the home of Mary when Peter showed up at their door?
In this passage, we see one man (James) is killed for his belief, and one man (Peter) escapes his same fate. One would tend to wonder why God wouldn’t choose to save them both?
God is still good even when He doesn’t do what you think He should.
When we face disappointment and grief, heartache and pain, He’s good. When our marriage is crumbling around us, He’s good. When our children are wondering far from Him, He’s good. When a loved one is told they have only months to live, He’s good.
God is in control of everything, but He allows His creation to exercise free will. Sometimes we have to live with the consequences of our sin, and other times we make all of the right choices but still face hard things. We may face situations that are not good, but He can use anything for our good. When we invite Him into each situation, He works it for our good because that is who He is.
The Lord is good to everyone. He showers compassion on all his creation. —Psalm 145:9
When we settle in our hearts that God is inherently good, it changes our perspective.
Journal: Share a time in your life that was difficult, but God worked it for your good?
Anyone who knows anything about Peter knows he had weaknesses. We may wonder why God would free him instead of James. He had a history of being impatient, lacking faith, and speaking before thinking. Yet time and time again, he is used by God. We can often see in our weaknesses where God is working.
Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. —2 Corinthians 12:9
How encouraging it is to know that we don’t have to be perfect. The very places we think are weaknesses may just be the things that God wants to use to bring glory to Him. But we have to allow the Holy Spirit to speak to us. We can’t hear Him if we aren’t listening for Him. We must condition our hearts to listen for His voice throughout our day.
God is faithful and good. He loves us just the way we are. We don’t have to have all of the answers, because He already has them. All He asks is that we trust that He wants our best and allow Him to work.
Invite the Holy Spirit into each day. Prepare for Him to speak when you least expect. Posture your heart toward Him, and watch Him work all things for your good.
Activation: Begin inviting the Holy Spirit into your day each day by praying the prayer below.
Prayer:
Holy Spirit,
I invite you to interrupt my day.
Amen
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