Your Perspective

[janbear]

The wind is howling. The waves are smashing against your boat. The saltwater stings watering eyes. Tears are flowing with worry, fear and pain. It’s tough to have a good perspective in the middle of a raging storm (Matthew 14:22–33). When the disciples saw Jesus, walking on the water, there may have been many perspectives:

Fear says, “I want to sail away from this ghost as fast as I can.” Fear leads us to misunderstand and focus on dangers.

Failure says, “Don’t move. It’s safer in the boat.” Failure causes us to doubt and robs us of life-changing experiences.

Faith says, “I want to walk on the water with Jesus.” Faith gives us an opportunity to perceive God at work and focus on opportunities.
The word perspective can be hard to explain. Other words for perspective are attitude, outlook or point of view. Our individual perspectives can be influenced by both our faith in God and our difficult experiences. The Bible promises that our faith in God can and should improve our perspective. In fact, Jesus can make our perspective completely new.

Read 2 Corinthians 4:16–18.

We can focus on our afflictions (wind, waves, storm) and lose heart. But Paul is encouraging his readers to believe there is an unseen, eternal glory coming. The glory that Christians will receive through the Gospel is worth the suffering we endure. Knowledge of the blessings we will receive on the last day should comfort us in our present sufferings. When we suffer for the Gospel, we should be encouraged that our suffering honors Christ and advances His Gospel.

Read Philippians 4:4–9.

Paul praises his readers, reminding them that if they rejoice in the Lord, pray in all things, and keep their minds on godly thoughts, they will experience God’s peace. Tomorrow is the result of today’s thoughts.

Worry is the toxic waste of unbelief. Worry is atheism because it refuses to trust in God. Your attitude toward money reveals the spiritual condition of your heart. God will meet your needs.

Read James 1:2–3.

James assures his readers that God wants His people to win over their trials. God permits trials to help develop stamina in His people. And God gives rewards to those who show their love for Him by enduring trials. We can face and overcome the trials of life with our faith in God. People of faith are to develop perseverance in their trials and take ownership for their failures.

So, no matter how fiercely the storm rages, Christians know who controls the wind and the waves. Listen to the perspective change when Jesus commanded peace and calm, “Truly you are the Son of God.” Jesus can make our perspective completely new.