Perspective Is Everything

Do you have those days where it feels like the world is working against you? You want to crawl back into bed and start over tomorrow. Sometimes it is a significant life event like the dissolution of a marriage, the death of a loved one, or a job loss. Other times, the normal day-to-day activities going wrong can feel overwhelming.

We are going to face trials in this life. Nowhere in the Bible will you find Jesus telling us that everything will be perfect once we put our faith in Him.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”  John 16:33 

Several years ago, I set out in my old car to meet a stander and help her move. About halfway there, the car started dying, and I navigated into the closest parking lot and called my husband and brother to see who could rescue me.

My ride came, and I made it to help our friend with the details of her move. While waiting, I scrolled through my social media and was overwhelmed by how selfish I could be. Big deal! My car broke down.

I made it safely off the road and even into a Dunkin Donuts parking lot. Win!

I had someone to call to pick me up after a short wait. Win!

As I scrolled through my phone, I read about my friend who watched another friend enter Hospice. This mama of four was diagnosed with cancer. This week was supposed to be one full of memories as the family stayed at a beach home for terminal families. Mom, Dad, the four kids, and two friends loaded up and set out to make this a week that none of them would forget. Two days in, it became apparent that they would need to head home and call Hospice in as the end of this dear mother’s life was drawing close.

A fellow MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) Coordinator asked for help as one of the moms in her group had her husband die in a car accident.

Across the nation, a lovely elderly couple who used to attend our church has heard the words, “There is nothing more we can do.”

A local police officer lost his life after his car was hit from behind by a drunk driver.

There is heartache all around us. What is happening in your life right now that is causing you suffering?

It is easy for us to look at our circumstances and dwell on how awful our situation is.

“God, why won’t you bring my spouse home?” Maybe now isn’t the best time in His perfect plan.

“God, it’s not fair that my child died.” What about the mom who lost all her children at once?

“God, why does my car have to break down when I am out trying to help someone?” What about the person who doesn’t even have a car?

“God, why am I facing these medical problems?” What about the parent who won’t live to see their children have their first day of school?

“God, why is my child rebelling against You and against me?” What about the child who has been sentenced to life in prison?

We are going to face trials in this life. Reread that scripture from John.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”  John 16:33 

We have all we need to handle our bad days, and that is JESUS! That’s it! Sounds so simple.

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.  Romans 12:12 

Joyful in hope – Joy is a choice and something that Jesus gives us. We can be joyful even when the world is crumbling around us. I saw a woman on the news who lived in Louisiana and had lost everything. EVERYTHING! I can’t even imagine how you take your next breath when you have nothing left. She proclaimed her love for Christ and said, “I can’t wait to see how He uses this to strengthen us.” That is the type of joy I want. Despite what is happening, I want to trust my Savior enough to be joyful, not bitter and angry.

Patient in affliction – I can be a very impatient person. I don’t want to wait. I want it done now. I want my prayers answered now. Do you ever feel that way? We can be patient even in a crisis; Jesus can give us that patience.

Faithful in prayer – I recently read a book about doing a drive-by with Jesus. I hold out my empty cup and race by Him, expecting Him to fill it up. When instead, we should sit at His feet, faithfully spending time in prayer with Him.

Today, you may hear the worst news of your life. Know that Jesus is there to comfort you. Be joyful as you hope, patient as you face affliction, and faithful as you turn to Him in prayer.

God bless,