The last few days we've been reading about Job's response in crisis. I wonder how many times we've been in Job's shoes? When I read his responses, I see someone who doesn't understand what is going on. I see someone who is tempted to speak out of bitterness, and reject the wisdom of people close to him. I see someone who thought he may have had it all together...and now that foundation has been shaken.
When trials come, how do you respond? How do you perceive adversity in your life?
Today in the Tacoma area, it is cloudy. The weather was pretty grey this morning. We all know that there is a sun above the clouds, we just can't see it. We also know that if we were to jump on an airplane, we'd see the sun very quickly once we got above the clouds...because we would have a different perspective.
Traffic in the Seattle area is regularly a challenge. We all know the times of day we have to avoid certain areas. Its always helpful to tune into the traffic reports, when driving during rush hour, because you know that there is someone hovering above the traffic in a helicopter. They are at a different vantage point...a better perspective. Even though you can only see a few hundred feet in front of you, you can trust the voice of the traffic reporter...because he can see it much better.
I heard this example once from Ed Young (who was recently with us at Champions Centre):
It is no secret in the New Testament that the Apostle Paul wanted to speak in Rome. This would have been the highlight of his ministry life, potentially...to speak in the cultural and governmental hub of their world. No doubt Paul would have held a big rally, and seen many people come to Christ in his ministry there. But it never happened. Instead, Paul ended up in prison.
Doesn't exactly sound ideal, does it? I'll bet Paul was discouraged. I'll be he didn't understand why God would allow this to happen. I believe it is because God had a higher perspective. I believe that God knew if he could get Paul to settle down, that Paul would write. And write, he did. Out of that time in his life came many great parts of the New Testament. Ask yourself this: In the light of history, which would have been better? Paul speaking in Rome? Or Paul writing a good chunk of the New Testament?
God's perspective in life is always higher and better. We must learn to look for His perspective, even when we don't understand.
Keep reading! We've only started. And this is only getting better. Stay in touch.
Brandon Stewart
Champions Centre
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