top of page
Search

Perspectives

Writer's picture: Gracie BerneyGracie Berney

Your perspective on the current circumstances in your life needs to be birthed in prayer because it will affect your purpose in life.

Image Credit: Wix


Welcome back to another blog/devotional post. Let me quickly say thank you to all of the talented guest writers who have been a blessing to us over the last several weeks. I hope and pray you found some inspiration from the posts, like I did.


If you live in the US, you know that this week was thanksgiving and a lot of us gathered around and talked about the things we are thankful for. For some, it was a short list, but for others, it was long; it all depends on your perspective.


A lot of times, depending on who you are talking to, you might hear how good or bad the year has been. However, one thing we can all agree with is the fact that if you have made it this far in the year, you have a lot to be thankful for. With that in mind, please allow me to share my thoughts for today's post titled: Perspectives.


I've worn corrective lens since I was about 6 years old. Prior to me wearing them, I struggled with seeing things especially at distance. Interestingly, my husband wears glasses as well, but our prescriptions are not the same. So if I were to wear his glasses, I would have a hard time seeing out of them, because they're not tailored for me.


The word perspective, according to Merriam Webster's Dictionary was discovered back in the 14th century. While today, it can be used as a noun or adjective, the focus on this word for my post today, is its definition as a noun. Webster defines perspective as a mental view or prospect. Another definition given is the angle or direction in which a person looks at an object.


The life of Joseph is one of my favorite character study in the O.T. As a young boy, he was sold to the Ishmeelites, (by his own brothers who were jealous of him) [Genesis 37:28]. Then, he is further sold to a man named Potiphar [Gen 39:1].


However, at Potiphar's house, he becomes elevated to overseer of the house [Gen 39:4]. Unfortunately, his promotion became short-lived as he quickly became a jail bird when Potiphar's wife made untrue sexual harassment claims [Gen 39:7 - 20].


Joseph then spends the next several years of his life in prison for a crime he never committed.


Gen 39:21 states: "But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison."


Two things we can get from this verse: 1) the Lord was with Joseph; 2) because he had the right perspective.


Finally, in Chapter 41, his 'big break' comes in the form of an invitation from King Pharoah who had a terrible dream that needed an interpretation. After the Lord uses Joseph to interpret Pharoah's dream, he is promoted to second in command.


Back to the subject of perspective, what has your perspective been this year? Having the wrong perspective is like wearing the wrong prescription glasses; you can see out of them, but things are not clear.


I've heard several people complain about how rough this year has been and how they can't wait for the year to end. Please understand, I'm not trying to disregard the struggles people are going through; but my simple encouragement is this: all things work together for His good; and in order to see that, you have to have the right perspective.


What if Joseph had lost sight of the right perspective? Would his biography have been an inspiration to us?


Let me share three things about perspective.

1. Your perspective should be birthed in prayer.

One of the things I'm learning this year is the fact that my reaction to negativity is a response of my current prayer life. I wish I can tell you that I have had the right reaction every time something has gone wrong, but that would be a solid lie. A lot of times, our initial reaction to the negative things happening around us is terrible. This is where prayer comes in. Lately, I try to pause and pray when I hear or encounter a difficult situation. The prayer is usually a quick help for God to grant the right perspective to visualize the current situation.


2. Your perspective will affect your purpose.

The main reason why it is so imperative to have a perspective that is birthed in prayer is because your purpose will be affected by your perspective. Had Joseph turned into a cold, bitter individual, he may have never become the person God intended him to become.


3. Your perspective can end in praise. While not every situation in life will end on a high note, there is always the promise of heaven for those who are faithful. So even if, things do not work out in this life, if you can just hold on till the end, it will all be worth it.


Conclusion

No matter how much I love my husband's glasses frame, I can't wear them because they're not tailored for me thus I'm unable to see clearly out of them. Having the wrong perspective can be similar to wearing the wrong prescription glasses - You're unable to see the beauty in the current circumstance that is supposed to be teaching you a lesson.


But remember that your perspective on the current circumstances in your life, needs to be birthed in prayer because it will affect your purpose in life.


Quick Prayer

Dear God, thank your for the reminder about perspective. As the year continues to wind down, please help me to always seek your will for an accurate perspective of the things in my life. I trust you with the rest of 2020 and will continue to look forward to your plan and purpose for me. In Jesus' name. Amen.


Stay Blessed

Comments


Post: Blog2_Post

Subscribe Form

Thanks for subscribing!

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn

©2020 by Grace to Inspire. Proudly created with Wix.com

bottom of page