A Right Perspective

In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 1 Peter 1:6-7

Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;  I have called you by name; you are mine.  When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. You walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. Isaiah 43:1-2

A good run has a way of clearing my mind and helping me to release stress. Likewise, reading the right scripture passages at the right moment, always gives me God’s perfect perspective, on whatever is weighing on my mind.

Today’s passages are reminders that life is seldom going to happen as planned. There are going to be disappointments, hurts, and pain, but if they are faced with the right perspective, they will help us to become what God created us to be.

I experienced a verbal attack from some very close people in my life last week. The words they said dug deep and hurt. Being that there were three of them only added to the weight of their accusations. I felt overwhelmed and needed to see this whole situation for what it truly was.

First the Lord reminded me that my struggle is not against flesh and blood, but that Satan is the source behind their words. Next He reminded me that He is much stronger than these three humans and Satan, will ever be. Finally, He reminded me that it’s Him they are rejecting not me.

You see, the whole converation was because my son and granddaughter’s have accepted my invitation to go to church with me and they are choosing to have a relationship with Christ. The accusation was that I was destroying their lives. But the truth is, they are gaining eternal life in Christ. Of course, the enemy of our souls is going to flight that and he will use anyone and anything he can. But God is bigger, stronger and complete truth. The end. The enemy has no power unless we give it to him, and that includes letting hurtful words and accusation fester in our hearts.

So God continued to work on my heart, not wanting me to give the enemy a foothold, and told me to forgive them and pray for them. They need Jesus. They need to know their need for the Savior and make the decision to ask Him into their lives. My prayers are for their salvation and the strengthening of my son and granddaughter’s faith.

Thank you Lord that you have called us each by name. You have redeemed us and given us new life in You. Strengthen my family and protect them from the enemy. Open their minds to understand Your Word. Bind the enemy and his use of other family members. Help them see their need for You. In Jesus’ name, amen.