Our two men
in training, Kedar, 8, and Kaleb, 6, ventured into our backyard to make sure
the grill cover was secure during the rain storm today.
When I peeked outdoors, I noticed both of them, with arms outstretched, eyes closed, and faces toward the sky, twirling around in circles in the pouring rain.
I stood there for a few seconds before saying anything.
Then I broke my silence.
“Boys, you two come inside,” I called out.
That classic “oops-we’re-busted” expression instantly covered Kedar’s face.
Kaleb, who realized late that their private rain party was being broken up, looked timid and a bit embarrassed once he finally snapped back to reality.
I chuckled inwardly as our two dripping wet boys exchanged glances, giggled, and ran through the doorway with rain-soaked tees and glistening faces.
Though I acted as a responsible adult should and hurried them out of their wet clothes, I understood their enjoyment…to a degree. I don’t prefer to run around in the rain without an umbrella, but I do enjoy the peaceful ambiance gloomy weather brings with it.
As I have often said on this blog, it's all a matter of perspective.
I see the storm as a source of peace, while others may view it as the origin of turmoil and all that is unpleasant.
Spiritually speaking, what you see is not nearly as important as how you see. When it rains in your life, your perspective matters most.
The lens through which you view life’s storms will determine your response to them. If you view the rain and adversity as something that has come to destroy you, you will see it as ominous. It will be accompanied by a foreboding sense that the worst is ahead, or a false belief that things won’t get better.
If, however, you look at life’s tough circumstances as character-building tests and trials that are working together for your good according to Romans 8:28, you will have peace in the midst of the most troubling times.
If you want this kind of peace, you have to change your vantage point and begin seeing things through the lens of God’s word. Hold fast to His promises. That way, you will be able to view your valley from a higher elevation. Then mountains won’t appear so high and obstacles won’t seem as large or insurmountable.
Your outlook will change. You will see that storm, struggle, obstacle, hurt, or setback appropriately…
As small in comparison to the great God you serve.
Today, I want you to know that the storm you’re facing, no matter how fierce, is no match for the one who controls the storm. He can speak to the winds and the waves and they must obey Him.
If you’re going through something, set your gaze upon our great God and the storm’s fierceness will be far less intimidating. More importantly, you won’t be operating from a natural perspective when God is trying to get you to see from a spiritual perspective.
This is the mistake Peter made when he opposed Jesus’ crucifixion in Mark 8:31-33. In his limited understanding, he could not see that Christ’s death was a part of a greater plan: the salvation of all humankind.
To remind you not to make Peter’s mistake, I’m stirring the words that Jesus spoke to him in Mark 8:33 NLT into your cup of inspiration. “Jesus turned around and looked at his disciples, then reprimanded Peter. ‘Get away from me, Satan!" he said. "You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God's.’"
When you drink down the contents of your cup of inspiration, you will recognize that your perspective and God’s purpose for your life go hand-in-hand. The storms of life are not purposeless and have not come to destroy you. Rather, they work toward your perfecting, strengthening and maturing, so that you can live the abundant life Christ died to give you.
Not only that, but once you come through your storm, your victory will be a testimony of God’s greatness, grace, favor, and ability to see anyone through life’s challenges.
Now let’s pray.
God, I don’t like life’s rainstorms. They seem to turn my world upside down and make things difficult. But I know You will not allow anything I face to overtake me and destroy me as long as I have You with me. Today, I pray for a new perspective to see things as You see them, from a spiritual vantage point, so I won’t be weary in well-doing. In Jesus' name, Amen.
As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may today's cup of inspiration uplift, encourage, and empower you!
If you need prayer, don't hesitate to request it. I would be honored to stand in faith with You. I know that prayer works. CLICK HERE to learn how to submit your prayer request.
