So often what perspective we bring to a situation is a key component to how we deal with the issue at hand. Having the right perspective can bring victory, peace, and even change the course of one’s life!
As an example, consider how Jesus viewed the cross. Jesus, rather than look at the cross as an instrument of ultimate pain, torture, and suffering, which it was, chose to look at it as an instrument of ultimate glorification to the Father. I believe that Jesus looked down the corridor of time and knew that by going to Calvary and the cross He would be able to purchase salvation to all who put their trust in Him. Jesus knew that He would have to endure incredible pain, humiliation, and suffering at the cross but He also understood that without the cross there was no way to forgive humanity of their sin and restore us back into a relationship with the Father.
And (Hebrews 12:2), I believe, shows us that it was the great joy our Savior had in knowing that not only would He be doing something that would bring God great glory, but would also save untold millions in the process. This amazing verse reads: “looking only at Jesus, the originator and perfecter of the faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” In a word “joy” provided Jesus with the motivation to go to Calvary.
As another example of having a divine perspective consider the story of David and Goliath. From a human perspective the situation for David seemed dim. But, I believe, David knew that God was on his side and that made all the difference. Listen to David’s reply to King Saul: “Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God. The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.” (1 Samuel 17:36-37).
David knew that Goliath was a giant but he also knew that His God, who was on his side, was a giant killer. I like how Paul David Tripp puts it: “It was not puny little David against this awesome giant. No, it was this puny little giant against the God who is the sum and definition of all that is awesome.”1
Scripture is full of verses which show us we need to keep a divine perspective in view whenever we are going through the trials of life.
Several verses come to mind that I pray will help all of us to always keep a God-centered perspective and know, deep in our heart, that God is always on our side.
“What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31).
“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” (Romans 8:37).
“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” (Romans 8:18).
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).
And when Joseph’s brothers intended to do him harm, Joseph shared this amazing reply: “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” (Genesis 50:20).
My friends God has your back! And if we keep the divine perspective in mind we indeed will be, with the help of God, more than conquerors!
Powerful message at the right time. Currently in hospital for 4 nights. I understand all of these things but allow, unfortunately, myself to loose focus on the power of God and His word.. I’m uplifted. I praise the name of God, His Son, and the work and power of the Holy Spirit. What a blessing to know Christ Jesus my Lord and Savior.
Have a blessed day
This post reminded me of one of favorite Chuck Swindoll quotes:
ATTITUDE
by
Charles Swindoll
“The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think, say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company… a church… a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we embrace for that day. We cannot change our past… we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play the one string we have, and that is our attitude… I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it.
And so it is with you… we are in charge of our Attitudes”