All about Perspective

I fly cross-country a lot. Sometimes I admire the majesty of snow-capped mountains, the vast expanse of lush farmland and gorgeous sunrises and sunsets. At other times I focus on the fact that I am squashed in the middle seat between two large men and am embarrassed by nearly falling asleep on a stranger. What is the difference between these two situations? Nothing, really. It’s the same plane and the same view. The difference lies in my perspective.

Flying reminds me that we have to let God shape our perspective during the difficult times of life. James teaches us that through our trials we can develop a deeper relationship with God. But if we focus merely on trying to escape the pain of our trials, we might miss God’s blessings. 

When I fly, I can choose to focus on the beautiful views or on my cramped seating arrangement. Similarly, the way we handle trials determines how much we experience God’s triumphant grace in our lives. God told Paul, ‘My grace is sufficient for you: for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ And Paul chose to ‘boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me’ (2 Corinthians 12:9, NIV). When we choose to focus on God’s grace, we can draw nearer to him.