The perspective I take in every situation can make or break me. The proper outlook leads me to make the right decision. I experience more joy and peace. Encouraging others becomes a daily occurrence. My response towards tough circumstances is turns positive.
A wrong viewpoint can lead to the opposite of everything I mentioned.
Here are some funny ads from Specsavers, an optical shop. See how a blurry vision affects the people involved.
Years ago, I was an account manager for a large company. I was doing pretty well and reaching my sales targets. Then, top management decided to implement a major department restructuring. They gave me a less significant position that nobody wanted. It was like a demotion. Ouch!
However, I believed that there was a purpose for this setback. I knew God was sovereign and sensed His assurance. He knew what He was doing. My boss was surprised how positive I was when I accepted the new role.
True enough, that position allowed me to be trained in another aspect of the sales business. It gave me more experience and qualifications. Later on, it paved the way for me to handle the biggest international account of the company!
Disappointments, setbacks, and unplanned detours are parts of life. I should discipline my mind to avoid the dangers of a wrong perspective.
When my plans don’t go my way, I remind myself to have these perspectives:
1. This “Failure” might be the Lesson I Need to Learn
Each failure has a lesson attached to it. It teaches me what NOT to do. These lessons add up to make me wiser. At the very least, I develop humility.
2. This “Irritating Person” might be the Soul I Need to Help
There are people I’d rather avoid. I could be irritated by their behavior, attitude or careless words. Over time, I’ve realized that these are the very people that God wants to impact through me.
3. This “Sickness” might be the Time I need to Slow Down
No one likes to get sick. It only leads to a backlog of unfinished tasks. Catching up is an uphill climb! Yet when I get sick, I’m forced to slow down. It actually provides me with time to reflect, pray and depend on God more!
4. This “Interruption” might be the Appointment I Need to Make
The last thing I want when focused on a task is getting interrupted. However, stopping to talk to a person can actually be a divine appointment. During His ministry on earth, Jesus was “interrupted” several times. Each one of them became a life-changing experience for that person.
5. This “Confusion” might be the Motivation I need to Seek Godly Counsel
I usually depend on my past experience to handle a tough situation. It can get frustrating when I’m still confused. This actually triggers me to pray and seek godly counsel. It reminds me that I cant do it all by myself.
I’ve always been encouraged with the verse in Romans 8:28
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”
I must look through the lens of God’s goodness and purpose for me. The results are all positive: My vision becomes clearer; my heart is more at peace; I now look forward to what is to come.
Posted on: Oct 10, 2014
Photo:© Depositphotos.com/atholpady
Discussion Question:
What perspective should you change more right now? Share your inputs below.