Perspective

I just finished reading through the book of Acts. It is the amazing account of the spread of the gospel in the first century, and God’s plan for Gentiles to be included in redemption.  The book details the purposeful selection of Paul, the apostle, for this task and follows his journey in this missionary pursuit. 

1^st Century: Did the apostle Paul imagine, as he went about his redeemed way after his dramatic conversion, that God’s will for his ministry would include long years in prison or an extended, dangerous trip to Rome via ship & shipwreck while under arrest?

In the years that followed, did he ever question the value of his unlawful confinements, extended restriction, repeated beatings and even multiple threats of execution, when he so longed to simply preach the gospel to the Gentiles?

21^st Century:  As I step forward in my desire to bring glory to God, do I ever wonder at the unexpected twists and turns of providence in my own situation? Of the unfair circumstances that plague me, of the difficult person in my life, of the ‘weight’ that keeps me bound in a setting I’d rather be rid of?

Do I see difficulty, disappointment, or perhaps just mere difference from my plan, as problematic? Is my turn of events an obstacle to living out God’s plan for me?

Perspective:  The answer in both centuries is the same, and it is one of perspective. How one chooses to view his (her) circumstances makes all the difference!

 Simply, is God’s perspective absolute in my judgment, or do I hold my own evaluation as supreme?

For Paul, God intended countless contacts, including multiple Roman rulers, to receive the gospel witness within his imprisonment setting. God enabled Paul while imprisoned to have the time and resources to pen many of the New Testament epistles. God strengthened Paul through horrendous physical sufferings and circumstances so that he could speak with credibility to us of relying on God and of strength amid  weakness.  We could go on and on…

For us, (of course, we don’t ever REALLY know conclusively God’s specific ways & purposes),  God may intend that relentless irritation issue, that unkind co-worker,  the financial betrayal, or the unfair relationship to display His grace, work out His purpose, or strengthen our faith. Perhaps even reveal our sin.  On a more drastic level, one’s persistent depression, terminal diagnosis, or unthinkable circumstance may be just the backdrop for God to display Himself…through me!…if I am willing. Every situation is crafted EXACTLY to accomplish His divine purpose.   Will I see it that way…from His perspective?

Resist looking at it from our viewpoint: uncomfortable, idiotic, painful, illogical, unfair, etc.   Instead, use Paul as an example .  He submissively and joyfully accepted his circumstances (such as they were!) as God’s perfect plan.  

And look at all God did through and with Paul!